Prof Chris Stephens, University of Southampton’s Director of Education received a Honorary Doctor of Medicine at the International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia’s convocation ceremony on 13 June 2015. He is also the Associate Dean (Education and Student Experience) at University of Southampton. IMU’s Chancellor, YBhg Dato’ Dr Amir Abbas, bestowed the honorary doctorate upon Prof Chris Stephens and noted his significant contributions to the University’s growth and development during his long association with IMU. Prof Chris Stephens is the Chair of Academic Council from 2013 to 2015. 
In his capacity as Associate Dean for the Faculty of Medicine at University of Southampton, Prof Chris Stephens is responsible for leading the development and implementation of Faculty educational strategies, student recruitment, educational innovation, quality assurance and enhancing student experience. In recognition of his expertise, he has been appointed as a consultant to advise medical schools in Brunei, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. He also worked with the senior teams of six medical schools in Kazakhstan to help them develop their educational leadership capacity. In 2003, he was appointed as a General Medical Council visitor and is part of a team assessing the quality of undergraduate medical education. Click here to read full citation for Prof Chris Stephens. 
At the same ceremony, more than 300 graduands took centre-stage for their graduation ceremony, marking the completion of their postgraduate or undergraduate studies. This convocation is significant as it marked a milestone for the IMU with the graduation of its first cohort of its Chinese Medicine students. 
Chancellor’s speech President’s Speech The half-day event was held over two sessions to cater for the large number of graduates and the mood was one of enthusiasm and joy. Pro-Chancellor, YBhg Dato’ Dr Gan Ee Kiang, members of the Board of Governors, Senate, the IMU Faculty and staff as well as invited guests were also present at the ceremony. Live broadcast of the ceremony as it unfolds inside the auditorium was made available at other lecture theatres in the University. This gives family members and friends who were unable to be in the auditorium the opportunity to witness this very special event. The conferment of the degrees held on 13 June 2015 is part of the graduation ceremonies that were conducted over two days. 
A Prize Presentation Ceremony was held on 12 June 2015. Numerous awards were bestowed on the graduates who have achieved academic excellence in their respective fields at this ceremony. Dean School of Pharmacy’s Speech
Photo credits : Fotorex
