UCA and ICI celebrate
first graduation

The first students on a collaborative partnership between University for the Creative Arts (UCA), UK and Xiamen University (XMU) have graduated from its joint Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI) in China.

28 Jun 2024

Over 250  students from courses in Visual Communication Design and Environmental Design attended a UCA themed graduation with their families to receive their Bachelor of Arts (Hons) awards. The ICI ceremony included locally made academic dress in the UCA colours and even a specially designed mace incorporated into the processional tradition.   

The ceremony was presided over by UCA’s President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Roscoe. Upon addressing the graduands, Professor Roscoe, said: 

“This is my first year as President & Vice-Chancellor of UCA and I am so proud of what UCA and ICI stand for. Your potential is limitless, and your unique education (and it really is unique) puts you in a great position to represent UCA and Xiamen University as leaders of creativity around the world. We are all very proud of you.” 

 

_{Replica Mace for the graduation ceremony and made by ICI student WANG Yunqian.}

The partnership is the first of its kind between XMU and a foreign university. Speaking at the ceremony, UCA’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Professor Terry Perk, who was instrumental in setting up the collaboration, told the congregation:  

“You each have the right to feel an immense sense of pride and accomplishment. Completing a UCA degree, you are now part of an alumni network that includes fashion designer, Dame Zandra Rhodes, jewellery-designer Stephen Webster, award-winning film & TV director, William McGregor, and Turner Prize artist, Tracey Emin – all of whom continue to contribute to the creative industries and culture internationally.” 

_{L-R: Robbie Fuller and Prof. Terry Perk}

Also recognised at the ceremonies was Robbie Fuller, creative director of ANTA Sports and formerly of Adidas, who was presented with an ICI Achievement Award for Innovation and Creativity. Fuller, who is now based in Xiamen, offered inspiring words of encouragement:  

“I want to set an expectation for you that this is just the beginning of the hard work, but if you continue to push yourselves, stay hungry, stay humble, continue to develop your skills, support your classmates and future colleagues, and forever innovate, this will be just the beginning of many “firsts” you will achieve.” 

_{Professor Qin Jian, the Dean of ICI.}

Professor Philip Lambert, Director of the Institute of Creativity and Innovation, said:  

“I am so proud and honoured to be able to join you in celebrating this major accomplishment and milestone; the graduation of ICI’s first cohort, and official recognition of completion of your UCA degrees. Congratulations to you all.”