Sunderland College has celebrated the achievements of its higher education students at a prestigious graduation ceremony.
The ceremony, which took place at The Quayside Exchange in Sunderland City Centre, saw almost 100 students gaining university level qualifications including HNCs, HNDs, professional qualifications and higher apprenticeships.
The students graduated in a variety of subject areas such as art and design, business, sport, engineering, education and training, IT, and health and social care.
Two graduation ceremonies took place throughout the day and graduates were presented with their scrolls by the Deputy Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon, and the Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor Lynda Scanlan.
Special awards were also presented to engineering graduate Jeffrey Langley for Best Performance and travel and tourism graduate Tempany Nichols for Outstanding Achievement.
Ellen Thinnesen, Principal and Chief Executive of Sunderland College, gave an address to the graduates and provided them with a personal insight into her own education journey.
Commenting on the graduation ceremony, she said:
“The graduation ceremony is an important date in the life of the College. We were delighted to welcome guests and staff to celebrate in the achievements of our higher education students.”
She continued:
“We wish our graduates every success in the future and know they will use their new higher level skills and knowledge to make a significant contribution within their workplace and the economy.”
Former Sunderland College student, Katie Bulmer-Cooke, was invited as guest speaker to both ceremonies. Katie, who has appeared on BBC’s The Apprentice and is now a successful entrepreneur and presenter, gave an inspiring speech to the class of 2018.
Bethany Porter, who graduated in HND Travel and Tourism Management and also delivered the Vote of Thanks at the ceremony, said:
“The graduation ceremony was amazing! It was great to celebrate something that I put a lot of time and effort into, with all of my friends and family. Especially when all the families were cheering for their graduates, you get to feel a real sense of achievement.
“My experience at Sunderland College is one I will never forget. Throughout my time the tourism staff were amazing and I received continuous support and encouragement.
Gaining my HND means a lot for me as higher education is something I never thought I would do, however Sunderland College made this possible.
“I am currently studying a top-up degree in Tourism Management at Sunderland University, which wouldn’t be possible if I hadn’t taken my course at Sunderland College.”
Following the ceremony, there was a reception prepared and served by the College’s talented hospitality and professional cookery students for staff, graduates and their guests.
For more information about higher education courses at Sunderland College visit the next open event on Tuesday 13 November at Bede Campus, email info@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk or ring 0191 511 6000.