Higher Education success celebrated at Graduation Ceremony
On Friday 9th November the RNN Group Colleges celebrated the achievements of their higher education students at their joint Graduation, with students graduating from Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College.
Two ceremonies took place in Rotherham’s iconic Rotherham Minster throughout the day, commemorating the success of 154 graduates from the Colleges’ university-level courses. Students of all three colleges were then invited to celebrate their success with their family and friends at a reception in University Centre Rotherham (UCR).
Following tradition, a procession of staff and VIPs marked the opening of the ceremony by making their way from UCR through Rotherham Town Centre to the Minster.
The Old Silkstone band from Barnsley led the procession and the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Alan Buckley and Mrs. Sandra Buckley attended the morning ceremony, with the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress, Councillor Jenny Andrews and Councillor Jeanette Mallinder attended the afternoon ceremony alongside the Interim Principal of the RNN Group, Jason Austin. The dignitaries were followed by a sea of graduation gowns and caps including VIPs and staff from all three colleges.
Each student then received their commemorative certificate and were given motivational speeches by Guest Speaker Sarah Champion MP and Paul Warne and Student Guest Speakers Elena Cliff and Sally Parker.
Elena, a graduate of Popular Music Performance and Production said, “I attended Rotherham College for 7 years and with each year, I’ve grown my confidence whilst successfully gaining my qualifications that would enable me to apply for the higher education program – Without my tutors, I wouldn’t have made it that far.
“I hope to eventually study the PGCE course to enhance my skills as a teacher and as a result, teach the children in countries that don’t have the privilege to provide the education they need.”
Sally, a graduate of Media Make-up said, “During my time at college, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the amazing tutors, I have been part of Zombie run, as well as a huge simulation event In London. The class also continue to work at the Lifewise Centre with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and have endless experience doing shows and theatre productions.
“I am now a trainee teacher working at Rotherham College in the media make-up department, which has given me all the experience and knowledge to get to this point in my career path.”
The congregation were entertained at intervals by the vocals of Rotherham College’s Level 3 Performing Arts student, Danny Newey.
Graduates, VIPs, staff, friends and family then processed from the Minster back to the UCR for a glass of bucks fizz and a selection of delicious food cooked and served by Catering students.
The RNN Group Colleges’ are passionate about supporting the local economy and raising the skill levels in our community, as part of the Rotherham 2025 plan. The Group has been working closely with over 200 of the 1,000 employers we have links with to develop courses that meet a particular need for the local economy.
The UCR opened this September on Doncaster Gate and has fantastic new study facilities for our growing provision of Higher Education courses.
For further information on University Centre Rotherham and information about our Higher Education courses please visit ucr.rotherham.ac.uk
