Posted: 27/11/12
College celebrates double graduation ceremony
Higher education students at West Nottinghamshire College celebrated together at a double graduation ceremony at the historic Kelham Hall, near Newark, on Saturday (24 November).
Almost 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 Julia Grainger, principal lecturer of Leeds Metropolitan University.
Attending the event was special guest and keynote speaker Baroness Prashar and the welcome was delivered by deputy principal Patricia Harman.
The double graduation ceremony also saw 18 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 46-year-old Jacqueline Ewington who graduated from the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector. Jacqueline said: “I was so happy and proud to collect this award. I’ve really enjoyed my time at the college and have had great support from both my tutors and my family.
“I first studied at West Nottinghamshire College in 1998 on the Access to Nursing course which got me into nursing. As I’m now working in mental health nurse training I needed to gain a formal teaching qualification and my employers supported me onto the graduate diploma.
“It’s been a very special graduation day and I was pleased to have my husband and youngest daughter celebrate with me.”
Principal’s Student of the Year Award at the afternoon ceremony went to 24-year-old Marc Jewsbury who studied the Foundation Degree in Sport and Science. Marc said: “I was overwhelmed and honoured to collect this special award. I didn’t think graduation day could get any better.
“I’ve had a fantastic two years at college and have had lots of opportunities to experience new things both in class and during my voluntary work abroad.
“After I’ve completed my top-up degree I would like to work with children in either teaching youth development or social work either at home or abroad.”
The event also saw 29 members of the college’s own staff graduate from courses held at the Mansfield-based college.
Deputy principal Patricia Harman said: “It was an honour to celebrate the success of our higher education students and congratulate them on their many achievements.
“More and more people are making the decision to enhance their skills and knowledge by studying a university-level qualification.
“Equipped with their new skills and confidence our graduates are now ready to take on the many challenges in the world as well as embrace opportunities for further studies or future employment.”
The college works in partnership with the University of Derby, Birmingham City University and Leeds Metropolitan University to deliver a wide range of university-level courses such as foundation degrees and a full honours top up degree in the shape of the BA Hons in Business Management. The college also offers HND and HNC qualifications.
