Graduates from a university centre which operates across Warwickshire and Worcestershire have been celebrating their achievements in a trio of graduation ceremonies.
More than 160 graduates from Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) attended the ceremonies at St Mary’s Church in Warwick.
WCUC is the Higher Education arm of college group WCG and the three ceremonies saw students from Royal Leamington Spa College, Rugby College, Moreton Morrell College and Pershore College graduating.
The ceremonies, held over two days, were followed by a procession through the heart of Warwick in the historic parish church.
The graduates came from a wide range of courses, including business, counselling and psychotherapy, early years, business management, performing arts, game design, engineering, floristry, equine therapy and rehabilitation, veterinary physiotherapy, veterinary nursing and many more.
Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, opened the ceremonies with an address and was also on hand to present scrolls signifying the former student’s graduation from the college.
She was joined for all three ceremonies by newly-appointed WCG President Louise Bennett, who spoke to graduands about her career and experiences, before joining Angela Joyce to present the scrolls.
Louise led Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as its Chief Executive for nearly 20 years, is a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands and was High Sheriff of the County of the West Midlands for 2021.
Louise said: “My first duty as President was to join everyone in these celebrations in Warwick, joining amazing graduates from a wide range of subjects which are so relevant to today’s world of work.
“When you talk to a business owner or manager, top of their wish-list is to get the right people into their jobs with the right skills and qualifications. Therefore, the work of WCUC is so critical to this local economy and the wider regional economy.
“Graduation day is such a special occasion. It’s a day of celebration and to recognise everything that has been achieved to gain these qualifications.”
In 2021, WCG became the first college in the UK to be granted both Bachelor's degree awarding powers and Foundation degree awarding powers by the Office for Students.
Angela Joyce added: “It was wonderful to see the beautiful St Mary’s Church filled with students, family and friends for what was a very special couple of days.
“The ceremonies were a celebration of the hard work, dedication and commitment of our graduates here at WCUC.
“Each and every graduate should take great pride in their resilience. They have completed their studies in a turbulent time with significant disruption brought by the pandemic.
“We are proud that 90 per cent of our graduates go on to further study or employment, and we hope that our graduates will now go on to have a positive impact on the regional economy.”
The college group also awarded three Fellowships during the three ceremonies, with individuals recognised for their external achievements and significant contributions to the college.
Peter Manford, a governor of the college group for 14 years, and David Darling, CEO of Kwalee and co-founder of Codemasters, were both recognised on the first day of ceremonies.
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