Ian Gadd receives surprise award
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BSU colleague given surprise award from Ukraine
Tuesday, 19 March, 2024Bath Spa University’s Academic Director for GALA and Head of Development for European Projects, Ian Gadd, recently received a nice surprise from one of the University’s partners in Ukraine.
During a special event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of International University of Economics and Humanities (IUEH) in Rivne, Ukraine, Ian was invited to present congratulatory remarks on behalf of BSU, alongside other dignitaries and representatives online and in-person. Colleagues from IUEH then surprised Ian by awarding him an honorary doctorate. The degree certificate and robes were sent to Ian in the post and arrived in early February.
Professor Vitalii Demianchuk, Rector of IUEH, said:
"For the long-term and fruitful cooperation between IUEH and BSU, we decided to award Professor Ian Gadd with a special distinction. His support and organisational activities contributed to the strengthening of our cooperation and the implementation of various scientific and educational activities and projects. The decision at the Academic Council was made unanimously, because Ian and Bath Spa University contribute to the expansion of international activities and motivation to innovate in the future.”
Talking about the award, Ian said:
“It was such a lovely surprise, and I was genuinely very moved. My only regret was that I couldn't attend IUEH's celebratory event in person, but I look forward to visiting as soon as I can.”
David Newman, University Secretary and executive sponsor for BSU’s support for Ukraine, added:
“This honorary award is testament to Ian’s unwavering commitment, leadership and support for IUEH that has endured over many years. Ian’s work with IUEH, our twinning partner in Ukraine, embodies our BSU values; he is a true collaborator and, on behalf of the whole BSU community, I am delighted to see Ian receive this worthy recognition.”
BSU has been working with IUEH since 2018. IUEH was a partner in an Erasmus-funded DESTIN project, 'Journalism Education for Democracy in Ukraine: Developing Standards, Integrity and Professionalism', which Ian took over as project coordinator in 2019. In 2022, BSU and IUEH signed a 5-year partnership agreement as part of the Universities UK International's Twin for Hope initiative to provide support and solidarity for Ukraine, and in 2023, the University secured funding from Research England specifically to support the collaboration.
Talking further about Bath Spa’s relationship with Ukraine, Ian said:
“Our work with Ukrainian universities goes back over ten years and has been supported by many Bath Spa colleagues. Rachael McDonald in particular has played a crucial role in supporting all of our Ukrainian collaborations and has been closely involved in our collaboration with IUEH. University Secretary David Newman has led on the relationship with IUEH following Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including the negotiation of the Twin for Hope agreement with IUEH.”
Find out more about BSU’s international collaborations and projects.