Oct 6 2012 10:00AM
The biggest ever UCS Bury St Edmunds Graduation Ceremony took place at the end of September. This was the fourth Graduation Ceremony since West Suffolk College became a partner of UCS as UCS Bury St Edmunds|.
Almost 200 students received their awards at the ceremony, around 22 per cent more than the previous year. The graduands were supported and applauded by friends and families, and by many of the members of staff who taught them.
900 people attended in total, with VIP guests, including The High Sheriff of Suffolk, Mr Andrew Norman-Butler and the Mayor of St Edmundsbury Cllr Tim Marks.
Thirteen individuals graduated with First Class Honours degrees and twenty one graduated with a Distinction in their Foundation degrees, across a range of subjects as diverse as Professional Studies, Music Production, Applied Computing and Children's Care, Learning and Development.
Professor Nigel South, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic Partnerships) University of Essex, conferred the awards.
Dame Stephanie Shirley DBE| was awarded an Honorary Doctorate. She said: “I am very proud to become a UCS member and wish it deserved success. I hope that all new graduates today continue to exercise their minds and reach out for goals. The greatest waste is when people don’t achieve their potential.”
Eleven prizes were presented to students whose achievements were particularly outstanding. Most of the prizes were sponsored by local businesses or by individuals who have close links with the College.
Professor Mike Saks, UCS Provost|, said: “It has been a great pleasure to be involved in the Ceremony today and to witness the thoroughly deserved award to Dame Stephanie Shirley of Doctor of the University.
“You should all be very proud of the awards you have received and of studying at UCS Bury St Edmunds. West Suffolk College is the biggest provider of higher education in UCS outside of the Ipswich Hub, with many strengths. It is one of the jewels in the UCS crown.”
After the ceremony, graduates, guests and VIPs enjoyed a celebratory buffet at The Apex in Charter Square.