Mayor hails York College & University Centre graduates for 'resilience' and 'commitment'

Mr Skaith was the guest speaker as more than 120 degree and higher-level graduates celebrated their achievements with their tutors and hundreds of family members and friends in the most historic of surroundings.

The Sheriff of York Paul Doughty was also among the other 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 and Engineering.

Addressing the graduates amid a large and joyful audience in the Minster’s Nave, Mr Skaith said: “Every single one of you has put in the hard work to get here. It won’t always have been easy. 

“There will have been times when the assignments felt endless, when you were juggling studies, jobs and life, but you kept going. You pushed through and you made it. 

“Today is the proof of that and you should be proud. This isn’t just about a certificate, though. It’s about what it represents. 

“It represents resilience, commitment and the ability to set a goal and reach it. Those qualities will carry you far, no matter what path you take next.”

Students were fitted for their gowns at The Guildhall in Coney Street 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) Leading Children’s Development and Learning graduate Adele Ross received the Principal’s Prize from York College & University Centre Principal & Chief Executive Ken Merry, while Syd Newman was presented with the Governors’ Award by the college’s Chair of Governors Ian Looker for her exceptional efforts as a BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Garment Technology student.

The other inspiring individuals to win prizes were BA (Hons) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design graduate Khushi Iqbal-Butt (York School of Art Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by The Open University); Children’s Development & Learning Foundation Degree graduate Rebecca Johnson (Professional Studies Outstanding Achievement Award supported by Hospitality Association York); BA (Hons) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design graduate Kaitlin Lewis-Kirby (Progression Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by York Science Park) and HNC in Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor) graduate Steven Nell (Institute of Technology Outstanding Achievement Award).

Along with praising college tutors and the gathered families and friends for the support they had shown the students during their Higher Education academic journeys, Mr Merry congratulated the graduates on their determination and perseverance.

He said: "All our graduating students should be proud of their achievements. Being able to celebrate the completion of any qualification is wonderful and can open doors to an exciting career and wonderful next steps. 

“But there is always something a little more special about graduating from a degree or higher-level qualification. Such qualifications are hard to achieve. 

“They take a lot of determination, a lot of perseverance and a lot of challenging work - sometimes more hard work than you knew you were capable of. To all of you who have worked your socks off to achieve what you have, I congratulate you!”

For further information on all of York College & University Centre’s degree and higher-level courses, please click here

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