Graduates from Pershore College have been celebrating their successes in a pair of graduation ceremonies with a history backdrop.
Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) saw more than 160 graduates accompanied by their families and friends head to Warwick to mark the completion of their degrees with the university centre.
WCUC is the Higher Education arm of college group WCG, which includes Pershore College.
The day saw the university centre take over Warwick Castle, where graduates were gowned and had photos, before making the short walk to the historic St Mary’s Church for the graduation ceremonies.
Both ceremonies opened with an address from Gill Clipson MBE, Chair of the Corporation Board for WCG, before Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, addressed the graduates and their guests.
May Parsons, Associate Chief Nurse Director for Governance, Risk and Compliance at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust gave the keynote speech for the first ceremony.
The second ceremony saw Nik Spencer, an entrepreneur and founder of the HERU and former student at Moreton Morrell College, receive a Fellowship from WCUC.
Led by a knight on horseback, graduates processed from the church through Warwick and back to the castle for a celebratory drinks reception in the Great Hall at Warwick Castle.
Pershore College graduates came from a wide range of courses, including Counselling and Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Counselling, Agritech and Veterinary Nursing.
WCG CEO Angela Joyce added: “Graduation is an end and a beginning, it is the celebration of the achievement of an ambition, but it’s also the start of a new chapter for graduates as they head into new careers and directions which may not have been possible before starting their studies.
“St Mary’s Church and Warwick Castle provided a magnificent backdrop for this very special occasion and it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication and commitment of our graduates.
“I would like to congratulate all of our graduates and wish them the very best for their future.”
In 2021, WCG became the first college in the UK to be granted Bachelor degree awarding powers by the Office for Students, alongside its existing Foundation degree awarding powers.
Gareth Hathway, 44 from Nuneaton, graduated with a Foundation degree (FdSc) in AgriTech (Horticulture) from Pershore College.
He said: “I have worked in hydroponics for over two decades and was looking to further develop my skills. I came across the course at Pershore College and decided to take the leap back into education.
“The course has been excellent in allowing me to learn new skills, and although it was at times difficult to balance my degree alongside family life and a job, gaining the qualification has opened so many doors for me.”
Aimie Mottet, 51 from Redditch, graduated with a Foundation degree (FdSc) in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She said: “I am over the moon to be graduating from Pershore College, with new experience and a wider skillset to benefit my work at a local school.
“The transition back into education was initially challenging, but my lecturers were patient and I felt very supported throughout the course. Completing the degree has opened so many doors and the qualification has helped me progress into my dream role as a school counsellor.”
Sinead White, 32 from Evesham, graduated with a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Sinead said: “It was exciting to graduate alongside my course mates and feel very proud of myself and how I have grown throughout my studies.
“I enrolled on the counselling course because I wanted to learn more about myself and ended up falling in love with the counselling profession and its positive impact on myself and others.
“Coming from a non-academic background, I was initially nervous but have been so supported by my tutors, gained new skills and learnt so much about myself.”
WCUC offers higher education courses in a wide range of subjects through full time and part-time options. To find out more visit www.wcuc.ac.uk