Almost 600 students graduate at OU's Wales ceremony

Dean Owens, 54, from Swansea, has graduated with a degree in History from The Open University, having recently retired from a 37-year career in the army.

His position has taken him all over the world, and he even once completed an Open University assignment in -8°C conditions.

'We were stationed in Poland on a NATO mission,' explains Dean. 'As it happens, while we were out there, it was during a week that my assignment was due. We were sleeping in a hut. It was freezing cold, and I stayed up until 2am wearing a head torch, working on getting it done on time!'

Earlier today, Dean joined almost 600 other graduates at the ICC in Newport, at the OU’s Wales graduation ceremony. 

In both morning and afternoon ceremonies, students walked across the ICC stage to receive their degrees from The Open University’s newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dave Phoenix, and OU in Wales Director, Ben Lewis. 

'My Business Management degree has really helped.'

Alongside Dean was Michaela Chaplin, 45, from Seven Sisters, who is about to begin a Masters in Human Resources with the OU. She graduated today in Business Management, after first joining the OU on an Access module. 

Michaela never really knew what she wanted to do at school, and wasn’t encouraged to study for her A levels. Now a mum of four, she has passed on the learning bug to her children. All four have gone to university, including one daughter who is studying for an OU degree while working at the DVLA in Swansea. 

Michaela now works from home for two community councils in different parts of Wales. 

'My Business Management degree has really helped with this,' she says. 'I can apply it to things like marketing events, managing finances, and writing reports. It’s also helped me work with other people. That’s something I have to focus on in my job, particularly when it comes to working with residents.'

A lifelong commitment to countering underachievement and disadvantage in education

Also recognised during the morning ceremony was Alan Evans OBE, who received an honorary degree to recognise his services to education. 

As head of the education department in the National Union of Teachers, Alan campaigned for common examination at 16, and helped persuade the UK government to introduce GCSEs. During his career, he has also advocated for school improvement and continuing professional development for teachers. In 2015 he was awarded an OBE for services to Education.

'Growing up in the dock area of Llanelli I had an early appreciation of the talent in my community,' said Alan. 'My Dad was a steelworker and Mam worked in the school canteen – both surrounded by bright, able colleagues.'

I was delighted when The Open University was established in 1969 giving new status and recognition to lifelong learning. It is an instrument of change for the public good and personal enrichment like none other.

Alan Evans, OBE Honorary graduate

'What was missing was access to further and higher education. So I was delighted when The Open University was established in 1969 giving new status and recognition to lifelong learning. It is an instrument of change for the public good and personal enrichment like none other.'

'In Wales we make special mention of the PGCE graduates as we are the only OU nation to offer this course.'

Looking ahead to the future

Michaela is looking forward to starting her Masters with the OU.

'The OU team are terrific,' she says. 'The tutors are fantastic, and the support team were great in helping me choose modules.'

As for Dean, he is looking forward to spending some time with his wife Koren (both pictured), who has also recently completed a Masters in Public Health through her role in the NHS. 

'Koren suggested I look at doing a Masters in History now that I’m retired,' adds Dean. 'Maybe – but I’m enjoying a bit of time off first!'