Posted: 20/11/19
Graduation glory for West Notts students
University-level students at West Nottinghamshire College took to the stage and were applauded by their families and dignitaries on a momentous graduation day at the historic Kelham Hall, near Newark on Saturday (16 November).
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Outstanding students with Professor Nassim Belbaly (front 2nd left) Principal Andrew Cropley (front centre) and Chairman of the governing body Sean Lyons (front 2nd right)
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Principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley with outstanding student of the year Mosca Burns
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Principal Andrew Cropley gave the introductory remarks
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Over 100 students graduated at the historic Kelham Hall this November
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Graduates, staff, VIPs and family and friends joined together to celebrate the students' achievements
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Postgraduate Certificate in Education Post 14 student Mosca Burns read out the student vote of thanks
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Friends who had studied together for years enjoyed the celebration
More than 200 students graduated from Higher Education (HE) programmes studied last academic year and happily celebrated these achievements at the weekend.
Dr Paula Holt, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of Health and Social Care at The University of Derby was present to confer the University of Derby’s awards, while Professor Nassim Belbaly, Director of Birmingham City University Business School, conferred Birmingham City University’s awards.
Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Mansfield, Ben Bradley was the keynote speaker at this year’s event.
This year eleven students won outstanding student awards and there was one principal’s special award winner presented by Sean Lyons, the Chair of the college’s governing body. This was scooped by Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Post-14 student, Mosca Burns, who also delivered the vote of thanks.
Mosca, 51, from Alfreton in Derbyshire, said: “I didn’t really have a proper education until later in life so coming to study at college has been life-changing. I’ve really enjoyed my time at the college. To receive two special awards on this wonderful day is simply amazing. I was shaking with nerves and surprise!
“I’ve started a Masters Degree in Education at the University of Derby in September. I think I might continue to a Doctorate after this. I’d really like to make a change within education and influence policy and curriculum for special needs students – this is a real passion of mine.
“I’m very interested in teaching and learning, not just the academic achievements for myself, but the way that learning is a lifelong thing for all of us.”
The event also saw members of the college’s own staff graduate from courses held at the Mansfield-based college.
Principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley said: “This year’s university-level students have really shone and proven just what hard work, a passion for their subject and a driven work ethic can bring them.
“We’ve applauded this success at the graduation event with our students, their families, friends and tutors and we’ve enjoyed this wonderful celebration together.
“Following their studies our students have exciting futures ahead in this ever-changing and challenging world. Their new skills combined with enquiring minds will mean they can embrace change flexibly and play their part in making their mark in their chosen industries.”
The college works in partnership with the University of Derby, Birmingham City University and Pearson to deliver a range of HE programmes, including full honours degrees, foundation degrees, higher national diplomas (HNDs) and higher national certificates (HNCs).
