Lincoln College presented David Mitchell, President of the European Polio Union and former Chair of The British Polio Fellowship (BPF) with an award at an annual graduation ceremony in Lincoln Cathedral, on 9 October.
At the end of a busy ceremony to celebrate students graduating from Lincoln College, a further education college based in Lincoln, East Midlands and in front of a 500-strong audience, David Mitchell was escorted onto the stage by Sarah Adams, Clerk to the Corporation.
"As a former member of the lecturing staff, I have always maintained contact with the college and helped out on several occasions. So, I thought that Sarah needed details for profiles that are often published in the college magazine. I was amazed when she led me onto the stage", explained David Mitchell.
David's award was in recognition of services to the college and the wider community. It was presented by Lincoln College Group Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Locking. This special award, made of glass, is only presented on average every five years.
Before handing David his award, the Principal praised him for his devotion to the college, and for supporting other organisations and charities over the years. These included War Widows Association (46 years), a long involvement with the Federation of Small Businesses where he was Editor of their national magazine, working with Lincolnshire Police as an ‘independent custody visitor’ (36 years) and Membership of the County Council’s Education Committee. In addition he is a former Chair of the British Polio Fellowship and current President of the European Polio Union.
"I'm very grateful for this award and to the charity group of the college staff. In the past, they have awarded grants of £2,000 to the Lincolnshire Branch of the British Polio Fellowship and the European Polio Union. Most generously received" commented David.
"It was a huge surprise to be honoured in such style. It was quite something to meet some of my adult ex-students who were in the Cathedral to see their children graduate. It is rare to achieve something alone and I must thank family and friends who have supported me over the years".
"Congratulations to David for this award. We're grateful to him for all the work he did when he was Chair of the BPF. As President of the EPU he is already making his presence felt in the polio community. I don't think he will ever let the effects of polio stop him from getting involved" added Kripen Dhrona, BPF Chief Executive Officer.
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