I am sure that today's graduates feel indebted to all the Northbrook people who supported them, especially in moments of discouragement. Let's show our appreciation for their work. I know there are many people to whom they feel grateful. It is wonderful to see so many of the graduates' family members, relatives and friends here today. We're delighted you are here.
Help is now at hand for redecorating the house, cleaning the car and other home chores.
But before you dream up new tasks I know that the graduates would like to thank those who have supported them through their studies. Let me say a word about that. This year the OU awarded its 200,000th Bachelor's degree and it has made some 50,000 postgraduate awards. So as graduates with OU degrees you are part of a huge global OU community that is a force in the world. This year we have introducing new ways for you to stay in contact with than community.