A graduate has followed in the footsteps of her parents who met at Lancaster University and received their own degrees 35 years ago.
Ginny Breaks was presented with her degree on the same Great Hall platform where both her parents - Vanessa and Gavin - received theirs in 1991.
Ginny received a first class BSc in Biochemistry and has enjoyed Lancaster so much, she will stay on to study for a Master’s degree in Biomedicine with plans to become a biomedical scientist in the NHS.
Vanessa and Gavin met during their first week at Lancaster University on a Freshers’ Week day-trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Vanessa, a BA English Literature graduate, started out in County College, while Gavin, a BSc Geophysics graduate, was in Cartmel.
As their friendship gradually blossomed into romance, Vanessa moved into Cartmel College to be nearer to Gavin, who now works in the Civil Service as a Project Manager.
The couple, who were both the first in their families to go to university, later lived in a student house in Galgate.
“We have always returned to Lancaster,” said Vanessa, a teacher for 34 years.
“It’s a lovely little city, the campus is so green and calm and we always did plenty of walking.
“There was enough going on without it being too busy and we particularly liked the college system – it’s different from other universities.”
Ginny got to know the city and campus pretty well as she was growing up, accompanying her parents on their frequent return trips.
“I had visited and done various online tours of other universities, but nothing held up to Lancaster – they all looked a bit grey and concretey," said Ginny, a member of Fylde College, who currently lives in the city centre.
“Lancaster feels so green and closer to nature as I am not a big city person. It’s more laid back. And it was good for my degree. I did a tour of the labs and they looked really good. Lancaster was definitely my favourite.”
And life on campus has certainly proved to be the perfect match for Ginny, who is from the Pendle area.
“I have really enjoyed it and the teaching has been very good,” she said.
“I have particularly enjoyed the genetics-based studies and my dissertation was on specific cancer cells and DNA damage. That really intrigues me.”
Social life has included the weekly RocSoc (rock and metal society socials), a plethora of quizzes both on campus and in Lancaster, and the lure of the University’s Trim Trail woodland walks.
“I really like it here,” she said.
“It feels safe, it’s a very friendly campus and I am really close with the people I live with.”
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