Timothy Lee has had an impressive 36-year career in the computing industry, during which he worked as the Director of Marketing for International Computers Ltd. Whilst there, he took to market some of the first mainframe computers, personal computers and early iterations of the internet. Tim has lent his commercial expertise to the university and supported in its business and community engagement, all whilst ensuring that the student experience was at the heart of decision making.
When Tim retired, he joined the Board of Bournemouth University and is the longest serving Board Member to date. Bournemouth University is proud to award him an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration.
Tim said: “Being here today, I feel it’s a bit of a double honour. Serving on the university board for 12 years I always thought was a great honour and privilege, so then to get this honorary award as well is a bonus really, a double honour.”
As Tim has been part of the university for such a time, he has seen many graduation ceremonies.
“I’ve always enjoyed graduation. When I was invited to join the university board, that was one of the things I remember asking at my interview – will I get the chance to interact with the students and it’s certainly been a really enjoyable part of it.”
“I think the basic ceremony has remained much the same, the whole objective is the same, to celebrate the students. There’s more students than there used to be of course and a much wider range of nationalities represented. I often think back to my own graduation ceremony which was over 50 years ago and it’s very similar, but it’s a very very special occasion for the graduates.”
As a university Board Member and successful businessman, Tim has some advice for graduates who are facing their next steps in life.
“The main message I want to convey is as they go forward in their lives, just be yourself. I think there’s so much pressure on young people today to follow role models and try to be somebody they’re not, but my main message is as they go forward, just play to their strengths, negate their weaknesses and just be themselves.”
