The three degrees – Izzy follows in the family footsteps to become third generation to graduate from University of Leicester
Vicki, Izzy and Philip.
Izzy Marks has joined her mum and grandad to become the third generation of her family to graduate from the University of Leicester.
When the Psychology scholar crossed the stage during today’s graduation ceremony at De Montfort Hall, it felt like déjà vu for mum, Vicki, who did the very same walk in 1996, and grandfather Philip, in 1969.
Philip Bolam said: “Being the first in my family to graduate, I was immensely proud to see my daughter Victoria follow in my footsteps some 30 years ago. Then to have my granddaughter Izabella become a third-generation graduate 60 years after I started my degree is quite amazing.”
Philip at his graduation in 1969 and Vicki at her 1996 graduation, with parents Philip and Pat.
After watching Izzy collect her first-class honours degree, Vicki Marks (nee Bolam) said: “Leicester continues to be part of our family story. Izzy has worked so hard and achieved a First – I could not be prouder. Watching her create her own memories in a place that has meant so much to both her grandfather and me is truly special.”
Pride was the overriding emotion Izzy felt during her big day. She said: “I feel incredibly proud to be following in my mum and grandad’s footsteps. Being able to achieve something that the people I’ve always looked up to have also achieved makes it feel even more special. It was a very emotional moment for all of us, today is a really meaningful family milestone.”
Izzy explained it was something of a no-brainer to go to Leicester, where the family all live, and she didn’t want to go anywhere else to study.
“Seeing the very successful careers my mum and grandad achieved after studying at Leicester played a big part in my decision to follow in their footsteps,” said Izzy, who will next embark on a Masters in Forensic Psychology.
Law graduate Vicki became a successful litigation solicitor before undergoing a career change once her children were older, working for children’s mental health organisation, myHappymind.
Now retired, fellow Law graduate Philip, started out as a Prosecuting Solicitor, progressing to Crown Prosecutor, latterly in his native north-east.
Izzy said: “I’ve lived in Leicester my whole life, and it’s always been a really special place to me because my family is here. I’m very close to my grandparents and the rest of my family and they’ve always been such a big part of my life growing up.”
“Being able to stay in Leicester and study at the University meant I could keep that close connection with them while also pursuing my degree, which made the experience even more meaningful.”
She added: “My time at the University of Leicester has been incredibly rewarding, especially having won a Citizens of Change Award for promoting awareness of the mental health crisis in secondary schools. The course has been challenging but really engaging and I’ve learned so much both academically and personally. I’ve also been lucky to form some truly valued friendships that have made my time here even more memorable.”
Her graduation also gave Vicki and Philip time to reminisce about their student days.
Vicki said: “Like many students, I spent hours in the Law library. Years later, walking back in, the smell had not changed at all. It took me straight back to those long days of reading cases and making copious notes. Funnily enough, dad and I even had some of the same lecturers, which felt like history repeating itself.”
She added: “My connection with the University of Leicester is something I will always treasure. My father studied there before me, and I always hoped to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer.
“Although I originally lived in the north east, Leicester became home, and today we all live here, with the University woven into our family story.”
Philip said: “I was very fortunate to be in the first intake of 34 students to the newly created Law Department.
“As the Law School celebrates its 60th anniversary this year I have taken great pleasure in seeing it develop from a basic classroom with blackboard and chalk into a first-rate international academic facility offering an outstanding library, excellent lecture facilities and a purpose-built court room.”
He added: “I really enjoyed my time at Leicester and lived in The Knole, a grand house in Oadby which accommodated 24 students, so we were never lonely and had some great parties.”
Not to be left out, Philip’s wife and Vicki’s mum, Pat, also has a University of Leicester connection, having been a house tutor for the University’s accommodation team, based in Knighton Road.