The achievements of graduates of the University Centre Wakefield were acknowledged as part of its Graduation Ceremony held at Wakefield Cathedral on Wednesday, 2nd November 2022.
Family and friends of the graduates were welcomed by Governor Claire Corneille, alongside teaching and support staff, governors and special guests of the University Centre Wakefield, including; the Mayor of Wakefield, Cllr David Jones and the Mayoress, Mrs Annette Jones; Cllr David Dagger and Cllr Samantha Harvey of Wakefield Council and Catherine Lunn of West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Representatives from the University Awarding Bodies were also in attendance, including Dr. Lynn Senior, Consortium Director at Huddersfield University, Professor Stephen Hardy, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Politics at University of Hull and Professor Chris Prince, Pro Vice Chancellor - Business Engagement, at Leeds Beckett University.
Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Sam Wright, started the Awards Ceremony by acknowledging the graduates for their outstanding achievements.
“Graduation day is one of the most important days in the University Centre’s calendar and I’m delighted that family and friends of graduates and staff and key partners of the University Centre are able to join us in celebrating the success of our graduates. Many of them have carried out their degree-level studies in the midst of a global pandemic, as well as alongside employment or whilst raising a family – highlighting the hard work and sheer determination they have shown during their programmes of study. I wish them every success in their future studies and careers,” said Sam.
Performing Arts students who are currently studying at the University Centre then took to the stage to deliver a performance of songs from famous musicals.
This was followed by guest speaker Mark Applegarth, Head Coach at Wakefield Trinity, who congratulated the graduates and encourage them to step out their comfort zone as they embark on their next adventure.
Graduands were then invited up to the stage to be presented with their certificates by Governor Dr David Powell and Clare Hagerup, Group Director of Higher Education.
The graduates successfully completed degree-level programmes across the University Centre Wakefield’s Higher Education provision, including Foundation Degrees, Full Degrees, Higher National Certificates/Diplomas, Top-Up Degrees and Teacher Training, validated by some of the region's most well-established universities.
They cover a wide range of subject areas including Animal Management, Art & Design, Business, Construction, Childhood Studies, Digital Technologies, Education, Engineering, Health & Wellbeing, Music, Performing Arts, Public Services, Social Science, Sport and more.
Following the merger between Selby College and Wakefield College earlier this year, the University Centre Wakefield became the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.
In the National Student Survey 2022 results, the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group placed in the top three Higher Education organisations in Yorkshire for Overall Student Satisfaction.