Applied research vital for industry needs; Harper Adams principal

Editorial Department • Published 17 Sep 2010 09:00 0 Comments

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The immediate past Principal and the current Principal of Harper Adams University College were among the guests at this year’s Harper Adams in Ireland Association dinner, held in Enniskillen on Saturday evening.

This year’s biennial event which attracted former graduates from across Ireland and some flying in from abroad, also had as their chief guest, Mr. Jim Nicholson, Ulster Unionist MEP for the past 21 years and now one of the longest serving members of the European Parliament.

Among those attending was a former student, Uel Bingham, who attended Harper Adams in 1949 and another student, David Gilbert, who was about to begin his studies there in September. This span of 60 years reflects how active the Association is to keep former students from Ireland up to date with developments at Harper Adams which last weekend was voted top university college in the United Kingdom in the Sunday Times University League Table.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Trusdale Award, made in memory of Victor Truesdale of John Thompson and Sons, who had co-ordinated graduate employment schemes with Harper Adams. His widow, Ann, presented the

award to Andrew Helen for his outstanding leadership skills, effective communication skills and being a team player. She said those qualities would give any student a competitive edge in employment.

A presentation was made on behalf of the Association of a painting of the facade of Harper Adams building to Professor Wynne Jones, who retired a year ago. Many people will remember him for different reasons but among them was the fact that he changed a diploma awarding college to a degree awarding university college over the 13 years he was in charge. He also took an active part in students’ work and social activities, listening to their views and concerns.

Professor Jones, replying, explained how he had fond memories of his first visit to Enniskillen 20 years ago with Richard Jopling to promote land based degrees at the University College. Now retired with his wife, Ervana in Abersystwyth in his native Wales, Wynne is a regular visitor back in Fermanagh and Tyrone, where he visits one of his daughters, Gwar, who is married to Michael McGirr of Dromore.

Dr. David Llewellyn, his successor as principal, who was accompanied by his wife, Noelle, said their challenge at Harper Adams now is to work with industry and to enhance even further, their high employability rate for students. Around 97 per cent of students gain employment within six months of graduating. He said applications for this year’s courses were up by 50 per cent and the demand for places ensured a competitive edge. One of their initiatives has been a JCB Academy for over 14-year-olds which was proving a great success.

Agricultural engineering has been very strong and the agricultural related courses also go from strength to strength, he said, linking industry. There now major developments in poultry, pigs and dairying and the research side was key to a university environment. He said they worked in a global marketplace and their aim is to supply skills students to work in that marketplace, ensuring that research would be applied for industry needs.

The proceedings were chaired by Mr. Joe Lawson, Chairman of Harper Adams in Ireland who outlined the annual scholarships funded by Alltech, Devenish Nutrition, Dunbia, Elanco Animal Health, John Thompson and Sons, Poultry Industry Education Trust, Richard Keenan, Taylor McNally Foundation and the Vaughan Trust.

The menu for the dinner was sponsored by many local companies. The canapes used beef and lamb courtesy of Kettyle Irish Foods, Lisnaskea; Hors D’oeuvres compliments of Moy Park and Keenan Seafoods; Champagne Sorbet by Henderson Foods, Entree of Honey Roast Duckling from Silver Hill Foods; Dessert from Crossgar Foods and the Cheeseboard from Fivemiletown Creamery. Mineral water was supplied by Fermanagh Springs. and wines, compliments of Fermanagh District Council.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 16 Sep 10

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