Sunderland College saw its Higher Education students recently graduate with a memorable Graduation Ceremony at its Durham Road Bede Campus.
During the event, graduands were presented with their diplomas from a wide range of courses, including top up honours degrees; foundation degrees; higher apprenticeships; higher national diplomas; higher national certificates; and professional qualifications.
After introductions from Vice Chair of Governors Louise Bradford, students – who wore traditional academic dress – took centre stage to receive their awards. Steve Davison, was the guest speaker on the day which was presided over by Education Partnership North East and Sunderland College Chief Executive Ellen Thinnesen.
Following the Ceremony, graduates joined their friends and families in the campus’ Theatre Eighteen for a drink reception.
Among this year’s graduates were two award winners – the David Child’s Award for Outstanding Achievement on an Engineering course went to Holly Herron – BTEC Higher National Certificate in Engineering, while Emily Tinkler- Higher National Diploma in Performance (Musical Theatre) was presented with the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Ellen Thinnesen said: “We were delighted to share this important day with all our Higher Education students and I’m proud of everything they have worked hard to achieve.
“As graduates, I know they will use their higher-level skills and knowledge to positively contribute to the economy and society and foster a better world.
“I would like to thank all of our higher education staff for the support they have given our graduates during their studies, and I wish all those who graduated every success in the future.”
James King who studied Performing Arts, and has graduated with a distinction, said: “I couldn’t have asked for any better opportunities while studying at Sunderland College. It’s allowed me to pick up and learn so many different skills and hopefully that will take me into the industry.”
Connor Rochester, who studied Travel and Tourism added, “Studying at Sunderland College has progressed me so much further so that I’ve been able to go to University of Sunderland and study Aviation and Tourism Management.”
Sunderland College offers a variety of Higher Education courses including a number run in partnership with and accredited by local universities, such as the University of Cumbria.
Apply online at https://sunderlandcollege.ac.uk or visit an open event to find out more.
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(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
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(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
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(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.