A proud day for Graduation

Led by a local brass band, students processed from UCB on Church Street to The Civic with many members of the public and local businesses lining the streets to support the graduands as they processed.

The ceremonies, for those students who have completed Higher Education courses at UCB and Barnsley College over the last year, was attended by graduands, their guests and VIPs including senior College staff, The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnsley Cllr Steven Green, the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire Mr Barry Eldred and the Deputy Lieutenant Mr John Foster MBE.

Dr Louise Ellis, former Barnsley College student and Director of Sustainability Services at the University of Leeds gave an inspiring and thought provoking keynote speech as she shared her own experience of studying and working internationally. She spoke of the importance of seeking out opportunities beyond peoples’ comfort zones and an ‘It’s never too late’ attitude to learning.

Liz Leek, Vice Principal of Students, congratulated each and every graduand as she presented them to Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Webb and Chair of Governors, Simon Perryman to receive their awards.

Liz praised the hard work, dedication and resilience shown by everyone graduating and said: “I would like to congratulate all the graduands and wish them well in their chosen careers.”

Student Samantha Colvin, 24, of Gawber, graduated from a Business Administration Higher Apprenticeship: “The skills and knowledge I’ve developed whilst studying have enabled me to get a permanent job. It’s been hard work but worth every minute as I can see how studying at a higher level will also open up further opportunities to me in the future.”