Posted: 22/11/11
College celebrates double graduation ceremony
Higher education students at Vision West Notts celebrated together at a double graduation ceremony at the historic Kelham Hall, near Newark, on Saturday (19 November).
Over 200 students graduated from university-level courses at the college this year. It meant that the college had to organise two ceremonies to enable everyone to take to the stage.
Students collected their graduation certificates from principal and chief executive Asha Khemka OBE, Professor John Coyne, vice chancellor of the University of Derby and Dr Paul Smith, deputy vice chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University.
Attending the event were special guests and keynote speakers Professor Greenaway, vice chancellor at the University of Nottingham, and John Kay, creative director at Linney Group Ltd.
The double graduation ceremony also saw 19 students collect Outstanding Student of the Year awards – while among these two students received the Principal’s Student of the Year award for their outstanding performance on their courses.
Principal’s Student of the Year award at the first ceremony went to 28-year-old Stacey Moon, who graduated from the Professional Graduate Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector. Stacey, who works as programme area leader for music and performance at the college, said: “I am really delighted and shocked to receive this special award.
“Everyone on my course put in so much effort and we’re proud to celebrate together. Our tutors gave us so much support, helping us get through our studies while working full-time.”
Principal’s Student of the Year Award at the afternoon ceremony went to 24-year-old Daniel Draycott, who studied the HND in Music Performance. He said: “It’s a great feeling to finally graduate and I was so surprised to be asked back on stage to collect my awards.
“Having studied at the college for five years I’m now really keen to get into the world of work. I have many exciting ideas for using my music skills in the future, all of which have been encouraged by the tutors that I’ve been so lucky to be taught by.”
The event also saw 30 members of the college’s own staff graduate from courses held at the Mansfield-based college.
Mrs Khemka said: “It was a privilege to celebrate the success of our higher education students and congratulate them on their achievements.
“Making the decision to enhance their skills and knowledge by studying a university-level qualification will no doubt change their lives and provide new opportunities in the future.
“It was evident that our students have not only nurtured their skills but also their confidence and attitude to succeed. These are vital attributes to achieve prosperity and success.”
The college works in partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University and the University of Derby to deliver a wide range of university-level courses such as HNDs, HNCs and foundation degrees. The college is now able to offer a full honours degree in the shape of the BA Hons in Business Management.
