Glitz, glamour and gowns, the class of 2022 celebrated their success in style as University Centre Weston (UCW) hosted their Graduation event on Friday 30th September.
Hundreds of guests cheered on the jazz quartet-led procession as the graduates and academics walked up to St John the Baptist’s Church for their ceremonies. Guests were then invited to enjoy the ceremonies in the church or watch along live via a large screen in the Italian Gardens or from their own homes via livestream.
The ceremonies themselves saw each graduate collect their certificate, accompanied by thunderous applause and cheering from proud friends and family that filled the St John’s Church. They also took part in traditional mortarboard tosses and were treated to a musical performance from learners currently studying Musical Theatre BA (hons) at UCW.
Following each ceremony, the celebrations continued in the Weston College Conference Centre where refreshments and a photobooth awaited.
Graduating student Jack Kimmins, who achieved a First-Class Honours in BA (Hons) Applied Computing, as well as achieving Gold at the national WorldSkills Web Design finals, provided the first ceremony’s Student Vote of Thanks:
“UCW isn’t just a university, it’s an idea, a belief that no matter what the challenges and obstacles are in our lives, we can overcome them.
“As graduates, we will now embark on a perhaps an even more exciting and unpredictable journey that will lead us into the next chapter of our lives.
“Our lecturers inspired us to think beyond the classroom, to accept the “different” and embrace the unknown.”
Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, Sir Paul Phillips CBE commented:
“We are very proud of everybody graduating this year. Our learners have produced professional-standard and exceptional work, started or progressing brilliant careers because of their terrific talents and perseverance.
“This graduating year, over 30% of Honours students achieved a First-Class degree, which is of course, the highest grade possible! Over 80% secured either a First or 2:1 classification.
“There have also been other exceptional successes, including winning Gold in the World Skills Competition, sending students in the Hair & Makeup team for the Commonwealth Games, scholarships for Masters studies, research being presented at national conferences and being used by local councils – and students appearing on the BBC.”
UCW is committed to enabling students from all backgrounds to progress, succeed, and achieve their ambitions within higher education and that is exactly what our graduates have done.”
BA (Hons) Early Years graduate Liz Provis gave the second ceremony’s Student Vote of Thanks and told graduates and guests:
“Some students journey continues straight from Sixth form or college; others starts later in life as a mature student. It took me many years of working within the sector to build up the courage, confidence and self-belief to enter into higher education and embark on a degree as a mature student. University Centre Weston is open and welcoming to all students no matter what their journey has been so far, they are determined and committed in making it an enjoyable rewarding experience.
“Without the whole UCW community I’m not sure how many of us would be sat here today celebrating our success, as every person at UCW is an important part of our individual journey. On behalf of the graduates today I would like to thank the whole UCW community for all your hard work, commitment and dedication to supporting our individual journeys.”
2022 also sees the first-year students are graduating from programmes such as Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship (in partnership with West of England Institute of Technology) as well as Business and Sustainability BA (hons) being offered as a full three-year degree to ensure sustainability is embedded throughout the programme.
The diverse University Centre has expanded since the previous graduation, now running a range of “short courses” in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) as well as Software Engineering Higher Technical Qualifications.
Massive congratulations to the graduates of 2022.
Click here to watch back the graduation ceremony livestreams
