FOLLOWING a series of Covid-19 interruptions, Newcastle College was finally able to offer its University Centre students an unforgettable graduation ceremony earlier this month, marking their success and hard work throughout the pandemic.
From Foundation to Master’s Degrees, hundreds of Newcastle College University Centre graduates walked the stage over two days, joined by a plethora of speakers from industry, invited to provide support and inspiration to those about to embark on the next stage of their career.
Over six ceremonies, graduates received their degrees from a range of subjects with Health and Social Care being the busiest ceremony of all, an inspiring turn out for the healthcare profession amid the pandemic.
Newcastle College University Centre also congratulated the first graduates from a number of new degrees, including BSc (Hons) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. One of those graduates was student speaker Nicola Humphreys, who was not only named Student of the Year but has joined eight other graduates in securing a role as a junior mechanic at British Airways.
In an inspirational speech to her fellow graduates that earned a standing ovation, Nicola said: “I am honoured to be standing here and speaking to you tonight as a female graduate from a STEM subject. This opportunity is not lost on me, especially in a time when other women in different countries at present do not have the same opportunity as I have had and are not educated as equals.
“In the future, remember to challenge the norms and inspire progression. We are the future, now let’s go out into our careers and make some history.”
Each of the ceremonies welcomed a guest speaker from a range of sectors to provide some inspiring words.
Dr Bobo Ng, Energy Programme Manager of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, spoke to students about her journey in the energy sector, while Reuben Abraham, Service Delivery Manager at Meta Video Productions gave inspirational words on his career journey. Speakers also included Nigel Cabourn, menswear fashion designer and Professor Clare Brooks from UCL Institute of Education, who spoke about why teaching and education are so important.
Scott Bullock, Principal of Newcastle College also addressed the crowd of graduates and their guests, noting the poignancy of graduations returning to in person after the pandemic. He said: “I feel very fortunate to be here with you all today for this celebration – today belongs to our successful students who have worked so hard and with such commitment. Your experiences of studying have been completely different to any of us who have come before you and I’m very proud to be your Principal. I speak on behalf of all of my colleagues when I say how proud we are of every single one of you. We are delighted to be here to share your celebrations and hope that today will be a day to remember.”
