Graduation Day finally arrives for Jacqueline O'Donovan

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Jacqueline O’Donovan, Managing Director of London’s O’Donovan Waste has finally been able to have her long-awaited graduation day from the University of Wolverhampton with a Master’s degree in Demolition Management, having been postponed due to the pandemic. Having studied for two years at the University’s Faculty of Science & Engineering whilst working full time in the waste and construction sector, Jacqueline demonstrated exceptional experience and knowledge, leading her to the remarkable achievement of becoming the first female CEO in the world to earn the Master’s degree.

O’Donovan Waste is a multi-award winning, business that specialises in construction and demolition waste providing total waste management solutions including demolition, site-clearance, waste-processing and recycled aggregates whilst diverting 100% of its waste from landfill. The business is widely regarded as an industry leader and a pioneer in innovation and has a strong reputation for prioritising health and safety, staff wellbeing, training and environmental excellence. The company were recent winners at the UK British Demolition Awards having been named Waste Provider of the Year, further reinforcing their standing and demonstrating their experience and knowledge in the sector.

Accredited by the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE), the course has been designed in conjunction with industry specialists. The Master of Science degree comprises a range of modules including management, methodologies, research and sustainability, to asbestos removal and building information modelling (BIM).
Jacqueline said: “Today has been surreal and I am delighted that the graduation was finally able to take place. I am in awe of the fact that I am the first female head of a business to achieve this. It has been a major milestone in my career to date and I won’t deny that it was hard work whilst continuing to work full time and run the business. Demolition is at the heart of every job we do and I am delighted to represent the sector that generates more than £8 billion worth of revenue every year in the UK.”

“Demolition is at the start and end of every construction project and as a waste management company and demolition contractor, we play a vital role in the process and are incredibly proud of the fact we divert 100% of construction waste from landfill. I am delighted to see it recognised as a professional qualification at Wolverhampton University.”

Dr Paul Hampton, Interim Head of the School of Architecture and Built Environment (academic), University of Wolverhampton, said: “Jacqueline should be extremely proud of her achievement in passing this pioneering Master’s degree.

For more information contact the Corporate Communications Team 01902 322736/518647 or out of office hours on 07973 335112 or email: comms@wlv.ac.uk.