Sir Garry Hawkes and Danny Pecorelli have received their honorary degrees from the University of Essex as the Edge Hotel School graduation ceremony.
The two hospitality industry luminaries joined more than 30 graduates who have been formally awarded with their hotel management degrees, having completed their two year course at the Edge Hotel School, based at Wivenhoe House hotel, at the University of Essex.
In his acceptance speech Danny Pecorelli said: “This honour has been top of the pops. It is amazing in every sense of the word. I get inspired every day, most importantly by the future. The students at the Edge Hotel School are just fantastic to see.”
Sir Garry told students about his success in the hospitality industry and how he had developed his philosophy after working in Holland, where they adopt a liberal approach to managing people. He explained why he had wanted to set up the Edge Hotel School at the University of Essex.
“At Essex I found people who, at this academic centre of excellence, would meet me halfway. It is essentially an exemplar for what can be done. It is a role model for education.”
Four graduates received special awards for excelling in their studies. Arisha Patel, now at Athenaneum Hotel and Residences, was named as Student of the Year. Lucy Cuthbert, at Firmdale Hotels, was recognised for the best Professional Performance of the Year and Charlotte Jacubecz, working at BaxterStorey, was recognised gaining the highest mark of the year.
Jack Williams, now events manager at The Potters Arms, Winchmore Hill, received an award in honour of Alan Jenkins, the founding Principal of the Edge Hotel School, who died last year.
