Local graduation success at SERC event

Local graduation success at SERC event

16 September 2015

THE higher education success of South Eastern Regional College students was celebrated at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall recently.

More than 1,200 people crammed into the venue to celebrate the graduation successes of the students who were joined by family, friends and tutors.

The ceremony celebrated the efforts and academic achievements of the ‘Class of 2015’ at the ‘Inspiring, Transforming and Enriching’ themed graduation ceremony. 

The event — sponsored by East Down and Lisburn Education Partnership — recognised the hard work and dedication of hundreds of full and part-time students.  

College principal and chief executive, Ken Webb, described the annual graduation as a “highlight in the college calendar,” showcasing students’ achievements at higher education level in a variety of programme areas.

For College Applied Biology graduate Stefan Duncan, there was double reason to celebrate as she not only completed her HND, but was also presented with the award for Excellence in Commitment to Professional Development.

This year’s guest speaker was Gillian Winters, chief executive officer at the Engineering Training Council. She praised the hard work and commitment of both students and tutors and explained how her career stemmed from studying within the further education sector.

Following the graduation ceremony, 17 further awards were made, congratulating students on their enthusiastic approach to life and learning. The Excellence in Project award was won by Performing Arts students who manage the South Eastern Regional College’s Student Company The Glass Umbrella Theatre Company.

HND Computing and Systems Development graduate Niall McCabe, from Downpatrick, was also celebrating when he was presented with the Excellence in Commitment to Professional Development award. This was one of a number of awards established as an opportunity for the College to honour and reward students whose commitment to learning and training has set them apart from their peers. 

Liverpool John Moore’s Business Studies graduate, Rebekah Playfair, delivered an inspirational and emotional closing address at the graduation ceremony.

After thanking staff, fellow graduates and her family for their support, Rebekah added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teaching staff at the College for their dedication and support to the students graduating here today.”

Eight special awards were also presented to local businesses who have enriched the student learning experience through the provision of industry projects, educational visits and work placement opportunities. 

Congratulating the students, Stormont Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, said the graduation ceremony “clearly recognises” the significant role the further education sector plays in delivering higher education in Northern Ireland. 

Dr Farry added: “It is important that we recognise that these higher education courses delivered in further education colleges are an integral part of the delivery of our economic vision for Northern Ireland.”