Ex-England football manager Steve McClaren applauds success of University Centre graduates
Former England football manager Steve McClaren was the Guest Speaker as more than 120 York College & University Centre degree and higher-level students celebrated their graduation at York Minster.
The graduates were also joined by their tutors and hundreds of family members with The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of York, Margaret Wells and David Skaith, Mayor of York & North Yorkshire, among the other distinguished guests acknowledging the success of students from a wide range of courses included as part of the college’s York School of Art and Institute of Technology offerings, as well as from other departments including Business & Professional Studies; Teacher Training; Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up; Construction; Early Years & Education; Esports and Engineering.
York-born Mr McClaren expressed what a privilege it was to be addressing the graduates and reminisced about the times as a child when he used to ride his bike past the Minster on his way to school, as well as the stories his father told him about working on the cathedral’s roof and walls and his own son’s graduation in the world-famous venue.
On congratulating the graduates, the ex-Manchester United coach also quoted his former mentor Sir Alex Ferguson, saying: “I worked with the best teacher in the game and I remember my first game and win working with him. I spent far too long praising the players afterwards.
“I went over the top and he pulled me aside and said to me, ‘Top players, top people and successful people only need two words – well done’. So, to every student, along with your families, friends and teachers, I’d like to say to you all - well done.”
Mr McClaren then advised the graduates to follow the advice of renowned CEO, author and podcaster Steven Bartlett with reference to his Five Bucket Framework, expressing the value of Knowledge, Skills, Networking, Resources and Reputation in their professional lives.
Students had earlier been fitted for their gowns at The Merchant Taylors’ Hall in Aldwark before making their way to the Minster in a procession led by York Town Crier Ben Fry.
Special awards, meanwhile, were presented to six graduates during the ceremony.
BA (Hons) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design graduate Abi Horton received the Principal’s Prize from York College & University Centre Principal & Chief Executive Ken Merry, while Robyn Bradley was presented with the Governors’ Award by the college’s Chair of Governors Ian Looker for her exceptional efforts as an HNC Engineering for England student.
The other inspiring individuals to win prizes were BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Garment Technology student Grace Marris (York School of Art Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by The Open University); BA (Hons) Leading Children’s Development & Learning graduate Daniel Ellwood (Professional Studies Outstanding Achievement Award supported by York Press); BA (Hons) Graphic & Communication Design graduate George Garside (Progression Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by York Science Park) and HNC in Engineering for England graduate Jack Somerville (Institute of Technology Outstanding Achievement Award).
Mr Merry congratulated the students on their determination and perseverance and encouraged them to continue embracing educational opportunities.
He said: “I know, for many of you, this will not be the end of your learning journey. In fact, for many of you, I hope that it is just the start.
“Education can be life-changing, it can be life-defining. I would not be where I am today if it was not for a strong education and the opportunities that this has presented to me.
“There are many people who have spoken about the power of education and what you can achieve through study. But I want to end with a short quote from someone who was not only far cleverer than me, but also far more interesting and I think we all understand what Dr Seuss meant when he said: ‘The more that you read, the more things that you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go’.
“To those of you who are graduating, whatever your future holds, please throw yourself into it and tackle it with the same passion, enthusiasm and dedication that you have your studies. If you do that, there will be no end to the remarkable things you can achieve in your life and career.”
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