Big-hearted scholars

By Kathryn Torney

GRADUATIONS got under way for the north west's class of 2004 today as over 600 students who studied at the University of Ulster's Magee campus received their awards.

GRADUATIONS got under way for the north west's class of 2004 today as over 600 students who studied at the University of Ulster's Magee campus received their awards.

The ceremonies for the Faculty of Business and Management are being held at Londonderry's Millennium Forum.

Some of the business- minded undergrads have proved they have a flair for making money - by raising cash for impoverished families in India.

Many of the big-hearted bunch, who raised £4,000 by turning their entrepreneurial training into a live special project, will be at the Millennium Forum in Derry today to receive degrees at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Aisling McGonigle has a message for budding businesswomen: don't make the mistake of ignoring the range of financial grants available.

Aisling (22), who graduates today, soon intends putting into practical use skills and business theory she learned at the Magee campus.

Her hard work has earned her a BA Hons Business Studies, with a specialism in entrepreneurship.

Her research locally led her to the conclusion that many women simply do not go after the aid packages that are aimed at them.

"Some are more determined to get through on their own. There are lots of grants available but some people are not using them to their full potential," Aisling said.

An honorary degree was awarded today to distinguished jurist The Right Honourable Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss for her services to family law in the High Court.

The Magee Campus if the fastest growing of all the university's campuses.

There are more than four applicants for every student place at the campus - an increase of 20% in the last two years.