Bernadette bows out after 21 years

The visit of our partner ENSEC Nantes to July graduation was also the last one by Bernadette Bonnefon in an official capacity.

Our partnership goes back to 1998 following a visit by retired colleague Martin Buckley to Nantes, which is a city of just under half a million people and is located in the north west of France near to the Atlantic coast. During the last 21 years, students who have completed a two year diploma at Nantes have enrolled on our Bachelor (Top Up) programmes in European Business and International Business. During the last 10 years, we have also received students onto the Master programmes in International Business and Marketing. The total number of students received during that period is approximately 600.

Professor John Anchor, Associate Dean (International) says: "our partnership with ENSEC Nantes is exemplary in relation to its emphasis on student support and well-being. Nantes visit their students in Huddersfield twice per year – once in November and once in March. During these two day visits, Nantes staff check up on the progress of their students on our programmes. The November visit is always timed to coincide with the Master graduation ceremonies. They also visit in July for the Bachelor graduation ceremonies - three visits per annum in total".

Professor Anchor says: "Bernadette Bonnefon has acted as the main liaison between Nantes and the University during the last 21 years. ENSEC Nantes is a small, private college and they feel a major duty of care towards their students. Bernadette has undertaken virtually every visit during the last 21 years, sometimes accompanied by one or two colleagues. We will miss her greatly. However all is not lost because one of her sons has settled in Huddersfield with his English wife – so Bernadette and her husband will continue to visit Huddersfield for the foreseeable future!".