Students and staff from University Centre Bishop Burton (UCBB), friends and family and special guests gathered at the historic Beverley Minster for a stunning Graduation Ceremony.
130 students graduated from programmes in a range of subject areas including agriculture, animal sciences, criminology, equine, floristry, sport, exercise science and health and teacher training.
Following a warm welcome from Bishop Burton Governor Kevin Kendall and the Principal’s report from Principal and Chief Executive, Bill Meredith, graduands were conferred with their degrees by special guests Professor David Richards, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), University of Hull and Dr Lynne Senior, School Consortium Director, University of Huddersfield. Several special awards and prizes were also presented including a Best Student in Agriculture Award, which was awarded to Maja Johansson-Ward by Grant Burton, member of the Worshipful Company of Farmers.
In addition to the vast range of degrees being conferred, this Graduation was the first to include students who have completed Level 4 apprenticeships in Agricultural Management. These higher-level qualifications provide those seeking a work-based rather than academic route to management and finance roles within industry.
The Principal’s report praised the diversity and talent of the students, making special mention of a number of inspiring student success stories. These included FdSc Applied Canine Behaviour and Training graduand Briar Dunn who graduated with distinction. Briar is now the first wheelchair user to work with Guide Dogs for the Blind, providing specialist dog training services. Samuel Caswell, BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Conservation Management graduand also received a special mention for his voluntary work with the RSPB. Samuel said on being part of the ceremony “It’s a wonderful day to recognise all our hard work and achievements and catch up with friends.”
Within the beautiful and iconic setting of Beverley Minster, graduands also received an inspiring Graduate Address from Professor David Richards; who used his own personal experiences to illustrate the value of education and how it would influence their outlook on life.
Reflecting on the importance and significance of Graduation to students and the University Centre, Assistant Principal Higher Education, Dr Rachael Fell-Chambers said “Graduation is a very special occasion and a highlight of the academic year. It’s our opportunity to publicly celebrate and acknowledge our amazing students’ achievements; marking both the end of their time with us and the beginning of what I am confident will be hugely successful and fulfilling futures, as highly employable graduands.”
A heartfelt Vote of Thanks was given on behalf of the Student Association by BSc (Hons) Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation (First Class) graduand Olivia Hammond. Olivia, who was recently shortlisted as a finalist in the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Thesis of the Year Awards said “The Class of 22 should be incredibly proud of themselves for all their accomplishments, particularly in the face of online learning during Covid. The team at UCBB, through their ongoing encouragement, compassion and support, nurtured us all into the successful, passionate and ambitious graduands we are today.”
Olivia further stated “I never thought I would feel such a sense of accomplishment and sadness that my time at UCBB is over. You never understand the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
UCBB runs a wide range of degree programmes in many different subject areas. Please see www.bishopburton.ac.uk/university-centre/subjects