Class of 2024 celebrated at graduation ceremony

Bury College University Centre has once again celebrated the success and progression of their inspirational higher education students.

Graduates were joined by their friends, families and tutors to mark the occasion.  Proceedings began at the Bury College University Centre before all graduates, donning caps and gowns, took part in a graduation parade across Bury Town Centre to The Met theatre.

Charlie Deane, Principal and Chief Executive of Bury College, gave a welcome speech with the keynote address delivered by Dr Maria Allen, Associate Dean for Teaching and Quality at the University of Salford.

Lisa Matthews, Assistant Principal for Adult and Higher Skills, Health and Childcare at Bury College, said: “We know that the higher skills developed by our graduates are in demand amongst the region’s private and public sector employers. Year after year, a significant majority of our students enter the job market in roles highly related to their programme of study, or secure higher-paid positions due to achieving a higher-level qualification.

“The celebrated success and positive progression of our students is a testament to the vision and commitment of our staff and governors. Our University Centre is at the heart of its community, making it an accessible place of learning, development and growth. We are immensely proud of their achievements and wish them the best of luck as they continue in their careers or further their education.”

As part of the ceremony, the College also presented an Honorary Award to the wonderful team at Bury Hospice. Helen Lockwood, Chief Executive of the Hospice said, “This Honorary Award has a significant meaning for us – we do what we do because it matters, and being recognised for the work we do for, and with, our communities means everything.

Urging the Graduates to make every day count, Helen added: “We are particularly proud of our relationship with the College from the work we have done with art students and nursing cadets to fundraising challenges.”

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Khalid Hussain JP, was also in attendance. Khalid commented on what was a wonderful day by saying: “As Mayor of Bury, I was delighted to be part of the wonderful graduation ceremony for the students of Bury College University Centre. The Ceremony marked a significant achievement for our graduates, who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone.

“Congratulations to every graduate, as well as to the dedicated staff and partnership universities whose support has been invaluable.  A special acknowledgment also goes to Bury Hospice, whose connection to our community inspires us all. It was a proud day for Bury, and I wish our graduates every success as they embark on their next chapters.”

Amongst the day’s celebrations, some of the graduates shared their delight at what they had achieved.  

Madelaine Tootill, graduating from the Certificate in Education (14+ Lifelong Learning), said: “My time at the University Centre was a challenge, but a good challenge! I feel really proud that I am graduating and it’s so special to see everyone here together.”

Also graduating from the Certificate in Education (14+ Lifelong Learning) was Jack Warburton, who now teaches at the College, and was now looking to his next steps “I’m really happy to have graduated from my teaching course. I’m excited to progress in my career and look to the future!”

Salon Management, FdSc graduate, Rabia Hamna Khan Muhammad, commented: “I’m the only one in my family who has graduated, and everyone is so excited and proud.”

Timea Kabdebon, who has completed the BA (Hons) Working with Children and Families course, said: “My tutors were very supportive which made my life easier at stressful times. I’m very happy because I gained a first-class degree, and English is my second language, so this makes me extremely proud of myself.”