University News Last updated 31 July
Birmingham City University graduate Poppy Herbert has been named the recipient of the Ozzy Osbourne Development Award, in recognition of her outstanding progress and achievement - awarded poignantly just days before the legendary musician passed away.
“Ozzy was such a cool guy,” said Poppy. “He had a huge connection to Birmingham, but he was much more than a local hero - he was a global icon.”
Poppy, 21, from Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, graduated with a First-Class Honours in BA (Hons) Music Business alongside the four other students in her final-year cohort.
Originally intending to study Media and Communications, her path changed direction during a visit to BCU, when her rock t-shirt caught the attention of co-course leader Dr Matt Grimes.
He suggested she consider Music Business, which was known as Music Industries at the time, instead - a suggestion that proved life-changing.
“I’m so glad I made that decision,” said Poppy. “The course, the people, the lecturers - everything about studying at BCU has been perfect for me.
“Birmingham has such a rich music culture and it’s been the ideal place to grow.”
The Ozzy Osbourne Development Award has been awarded since 2010 and celebrates the success of a Music Business student who has developed academically, professionally, and personally over the duration of the three years of their degree.
The award also celebrates that despite the personal, academic, and professional challenges some students face, there are always opportunities to develop and flourish.
“The ethos of the award very much reflects Ozzy Osbourne’s own personal journey, from a humble, but challenging ordinary working-class background in industrialised Birmingham to global icon and originator of the heavy metal rock genre,” said Dr Grimes.
“To have such an award that Ozzy personally validated is an absolute honour, but also a recognition that the course is producing the next generation of music industry professionals.
“With the sad and recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the award holds even greater significance, as his global legacy will continue to inspire future Music Business students in their developmental journey through academia and into the music industries.”
Dr Asya Draganova, co-course leader for BA (Hons) Music Business and a heavy metal music expert, is full of praise for Poppy’s achievements.
“Poppy embodies some of the most distinctively ‘Ozzy’ qualities: she is completely immersed in her genuine love and passion for music and follows her dream of working in the music field tirelessly,” said Dr Draganova, who is also Senior Lecturer in Popular Music Culture at BCU.
“She has unmistakable and contagious positive energy, and she is able to communicate ideas and make friends effortlessly through her honesty and kindness.”
Now a graduate with top honours and a prestigious accolade to her name, Poppy is aiming to pursue a career in the music industry, with ambitions to go into artist or venue management.
“Whether I stay in Birmingham or go elsewhere, I know the experience I’ve had here will stay with me,” she added.
“My lecturers have been absolutely incredible - supportive, inspiring, and genuinely caring. I’ve built friendships with them that will last beyond university.”