It was a real family affair as a father and son have celebrated graduating together from the University of Central Lancashire*.
Simon and Max Cox donned their academic caps and gowns at the same ceremony after they both completed fire engineering courses.
Dad Simon graduated from the four-year part-time BEng (Hons) Fire Engineering while son Max completed the four-year full-time MEng Fire Engineering programme.
The duo, who live in Lytham, were watched on by proud wife and mum Adele and daughter and sister Katie, who is currently studying on the University’s nursing degree course.
…we could be heard talking about our course at home but my wife didn’t mind as she’s really delighted we’ve enjoyed our course– Father Simon Cox
Sixty-year-old Simon, who works as a Senior Fire Laboratory Technician at the University, said: “I’m very proud to have graduated and it’s even better that I’ve done it alongside my son.
“For the first two years of the course we were in the same lectures and seminars so it meant we had the same deadlines. It did mean we could be heard talking about our course at home but my wife didn’t mind as she’s really delighted we’ve enjoyed our course.”
Simon, who started work at the University six-years-ago after working in the mechanical engineering sector, commented: “I had to combine my job with studying but I was determined to do it as the University has a world-wide reputation for fire engineering and I wanted to gain more knowledge about the subject. I can’t wait to carry on applying what I have learnt in my job as I really enjoy it.”
It’s certainly been a unique experience having my dad studying the same subject and graduating together - it’s a day we’ll remember forever– Son Max Cox
Max, a former AKS Independent School and Cardinal Newman College pupil, is now using his expertise in his role as a fire engineer at Design Fire Consultants.
The 23-year-old commented: “I am really excited to have graduated after all the work I’ve done over the past four years.
“Most people have their family members watching them graduate, they don’t have the pleasure of having them alongside you dressed in a cap and gown. It’s certainly been a unique experience having my dad studying the same subject and graduating together - it’s a day we’ll remember forever.”
Max added: “I found the subject really interesting and I have enjoyed all aspects of the course from learning new information to meeting new people that I will be friends with for life.”