Graduates include the first to receive University of Liverpool online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

LIVERPOOL, England, July 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 390 graduates from the University of Liverpool's online programmes celebrated their graduation during ceremonies and events in Liverpool from 21 to 24 July 2015. They are part of a graduating class of over 900 students, representing 114 countries, who have recently completed University of Liverpool masters, doctoral degree and postgraduate certificate programmes online.

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"Congratulations to our newest alumni from around the world, including those who joined us on campus in Liverpool to celebrate their graduation after years of study, research and online debate with fellow students," said the University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Janet Beer. "We share the excitement of their outstanding achievements and anticipate more to come as they apply their new knowledge, skills and expertise in their workplaces and communities globally."

The graduates include the first of the University's online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme, Lisa Crockett from the USA. She prepared her thesis on 'Palliative Care Needs of Pediatric Patients & Their Families: A Phenomenological Study of Multidisciplinary Pediatric Palliative Care Team Experiences'.

"From the beginning of the DBA programme, I sought to draw as much as possible from this unique experience and take advantage of every opportunity to become a stronger business leader. I have gained an unparalleled amount of new knowledge, especially as it pertains to designing and conducting research studies related to real problems or opportunities in the workplace. Along the way, I discovered that I want to conduct research that makes a tangible difference for others, especially vulnerable populations that might not otherwise have a voice," Dr Crockett said. 

In addition to attending the campus ceremonies, the graduates, their family and friends, as well as faculty, were welcomed at the Online Graduates' Recognition Ceremony & Reception, at Lutyens Crypt, next to the university campus on 23 July. The event honoured graduates from several online programmes receiving the Student of the Year and Dissertation of the Year awards, and provided an opportunity for all online graduates to meet and network with their peers from around the world.

The Student of the Year Awards – for outstanding performance throughout an online degree programme – were awarded to:

• Anne Friesen, an MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation graduate from Canada, who also received a Joint Dissertation of the Year Award
• Anna Maria Portelli, a Master of Laws in Technology and Intellectual Property graduate from Malta
• Catriona Rogan, an MSC in Global Marketing graduate from Ireland
• Richard Smuts, an MSc in Information Systems Management graduate from South Africa
• Bryan Starling, an MSc in Project Management – Construction and Infrastructure graduate from the UK
• Robert Taylor, an MSc in Corporate Finance graduate living in Japan

The Dissertation of the Year Awards – for an outstanding dissertation – were awarded to:

• Sandra Pasensya Duenyas, an MSc in Applied Psychology – Mental Health  graduate living in Turkey (Joint Dissertation of the Year)
• Bridget Lewis, a Master of Laws in Technology and Intellectual Property graduate living in Canada
• Thomas Ofem, a Master of Public Health ( MPH) graduate living in Malawi
• Matthew Sammut, an MSc in Software Engineering  graduate from Malta

Graduates from online programmes have the option to receive their degree certificate in person, alongside campus graduates, at graduation ceremonies held twice a year at the University of Liverpool. Designed for working professionals, the University of Liverpool's fully online learning model enables students to earn an advanced academic degree without interrupting their career – from wherever they are based in the world. Students enjoy an engaging, global and highly collaborative learning experience that provides them with the knowledge and skills to achieve immediate professional impact.

For more information about the University of Liverpool's online programmes, visit www.university-liverpool-online.com.

About the University of Liverpool Online Programmes
The University of Liverpool ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide (in the first 200 of an estimated 20,000 higher education institutions) and is a member of the UK's Russell Group of research-led universities. More than 10,000 students from more than 160 countries are studying for postgraduate certificates, masters and doctoral degrees online with the University of Liverpool. These programmes are provided in partnership with online learning expert, Laureate Online Education (for more information about Laureate, visit www.laureate.net.)