There was a day of celebration as New College Swindon hosted its annual graduation ceremonies for over 130 University Centre and Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology (IoT) students.
Proud loved ones joined graduates and staff at the Queens Drive Campus for the special occasion.
The class of 2023 and their families were delighted to have the opportunity to attend one of three ceremonies in person and have achievements recognised.
Students graduated from a wide range of degree, foundation degree, and HND programmes offered by the College and partner universities such as the University of Gloucestershire and Oxford Brookes University.
Subjects included Education, Health and Social Care, Graphic Design, Engineering, Business, Computing, Performing Arts and Public Services.
This was the first year in which a cohort of IoT students have graduated since its grand opening in 2021.
Darran Marks, Managing Director of Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology said in his speech: "Quite simply, congratulations!
"To be the first is an accomplishment in itself, coupled with the extreme satisfaction of your own personal achievement.
"Your determination, commitment and hunger for learning has wowed us to celebrate you as our first ever IOT graduates.”
Students were joined by guest speakers Professor Donald Rigby, the Associate Dean, Strategy and Development, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Oxford Brookes University, and Swindon Borough Councillor and North Swindon Labour Parliamentary Candidate Will Stone.
Among the many success stories was Holly Farrow-Moss, who graduated with a BSc Health and Social Care degree and is currently employed as a SEN Teaching Assistant. She now plans to train further as an educational psychologist.
She said: “The tutors were fantastic and it’s been a fantastic college for further education opportunities.”
Alex Gunter graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Computing. While still living at home, Alex has been able to progress onto the degree course.
Hoping to stay in the field of computing, Alex said: “I could study higher education while still living at home, which has enabled me to progress onto the degree course. The college has been very supportive.”
Leah Palmer, Interim Principal and CEO of New College Swindon, said: “New College Swindon University Centre has established itself as an outstanding provider of higher education. Many of our graduands have studies their higher education programme alongside the challenges of family and work commitments, which has to be commended.
"Their achievements are due to hard cork, commitment and dedication of our graduands and staff.”
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