Borders College Graduation 2021

Student success recognised at memorable Graduation ceremonies

Borders College Graduation Ceremonies (postponed due to the pandemic in September 2020 and 2021) took place this month at the Borders Events Centre in Kelso.

Our Graduation Ceremonies truly are the highlight of the year for both our staff and students and we were delighted to have recently held our 2020 and 2021 ceremonies at the Events Centre.

Having worked incredibly hard to complete their courses, it was time to recognise and celebrate the many achievements and successes of our students over the last two years.

The two-day event saw our Principal Angela Cox congratulate all graduands on their efforts, saying:

“It is with immense pride that I stand in front of you all today as Principal of Borders College and I congratulate you all on your achievements. Staff, family and friends have watched you grow in confidence, develop new skills and now stand beside you as you prepare for the next stage of your career and development.”

Angela also presented this year’s Honorary Fellowships to Ross Dickinson (Honorary Fellow – 2020) and Virginia Grant (Honorary Fellow – 2021).

Ross Dickinson set up his own company Kibosh Ltd in 2011. He designed a ground-breaking and innovative pipe repair product, which is now sold throughout the world.

Entrepreneur Ross studied plumbing at Borders College and overcame dyslexia to achieve his many successes, including receiving the SNIPEF Apprentice of the Year Award in his second year. He now rubs shoulders with the biggest names in corporate companies and academia.

Kibosh Ltd, now based in Galashiels, is currently working with and secured funding and support from The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) in Aberdeen for the final stage of development, Phase 3, of industrial pipe repair and high efficiency pipe freezing clamps.

Virginia Grant is a former member of the Regional Board for Borders College. She and her husband Andrew run Riddell Estate, near Lilliesleaf.

Virginia worked for Borders College as a lecturer and helped to develop the College’s Business Development and Consultancy offer as Managing Director.

While working at Borders College, she gained an MBA at Strathclyde Business School and was later recruited by Frontline Consultants with operations throughout the UK. While working full-time she undertook a PhD at Strathclyde University Business School and set up her own consultancy company in 2006.

Virginia ran the successful consultancy company until 2020 and continues to provide coaching to businesses and individuals.

This year’s ceremony was livestreamed, allowing family and friends, who were unable to attend, join the celebrations virtually, and was a real success.

The Graduation was a brilliant way to highlight the end of an amazing chapter in the life of our students and we were delighted to see everyone enjoying their day.