Posted: 25/11/09
College graduates celebrate success
Higher education students at West Nottinghamshire College celebrated their successes and achievements at a glittering graduation ceremony at historic Kelham Hall, Newark.
115 students donned their caps and gowns before taking to the stage to receive their graduation certificates from college principal Asha Khemka OBE.
Watching at the event on 21 November were family, friends, staff and VIP guests including vice-chancellor of the University of Derby Professor John Coyne, and associate dean of Leeds Metropolitan University, Michelle Fraser.
Mrs Khemka said: “We are exceptionally proud of all our students that graduated this year. Each year more and more students gain higher education qualifications at the college, which opens new doors and gives them opportunities to pursue careers in their chosen fields.
“Our students have shown great commitment to furthering their knowledge and seizing every opportunity available to them. It is this determination that will ensure they fulfil their potential and overcome future challenges. They are academic inspirations to others and I wish them every success.”
Seventeen students received Outstanding Student of the Year awards for their academic achievements. Winners were presented with a trophy and certificate.
Amy Barksby, from Forest Town, Mansfield, was named the Principal’s Student of the Year for her consistently outstanding performance.
The 30-year-old, who graduated with a Foundation Degree in the Built Environment (Construction), gained straight A grades in all 16 programme modules.
Amy said: “I was really surprised to get this award and very honoured. I’m particularly grateful to my tutors and to my fellow students for making the course so enjoyable.
“I’ll miss West Notts; the course was brilliant and the facilities at the Construction and Logistics Skills Academy, where I studied, are fantastic.”
Amy has now enrolled on a one year top-up programme at the University of Derby to gain a full honours degree in the subject.
The college works in partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University and the University of Derby to deliver a range of university-level qualifications locally. This year almost 200 students graduated from the college with a range of foundation degrees, HNDs and HNCs. Many are the first in their family to study at university level.
