Celebratory flags flooded Stamford High Street this weekend as parents and bystanders applauded as University Centre Stamford’s proud graduates paraded through the town centre after successfully completing their Foundation Degrees and HNDs.
This year’s ceremony was held at All Saints’ Church and celebrates another year of brilliant achievements from students on a range of courses such as Animal Management, Computing, Graphic Design, Photography, Performing Arts, Teaching and more, all coming together for an unforgettable occasion.
The gowned procession of students in their robes and mortarboards made the renowned journey from Stamford Arts Centre to All Saints’ Church.
Leading the procession was this year’s key-note speaker British Skier and Olympic Speaker Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, notoriously known as an underdog, following his passion regardless of other people’s opinions and never letting past failures undermine his success.
Eddie inspired graduates and their guests by sharing the story of his determination throughout 1980s, in particularly the 1988 Olympic Games. After narrowly missing out on joining Team GB’s Downhill Skiing Team, Eddie refused to be put off and turned his training to Ski Jumping which made him the only possible GB candidate. Eddie quickly caught the attention of the British public by the end of the games and was named the best Ski Jumper in the UK.
In 2016, the film ‘Eddie the Eagle’ was released based on his historic career and was nominated for numerous awards including the Empire Award for Best British Film.
It was a privilege to have Eddie attend this year’s Graduation Ceremony. A true inspiration and a brilliant example of what you can achieve when you have the determination and courage to follow your passion – much like the amazing Graduates of 2019!
Fergus Barratt who studied the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing thanked his lecturers who have been extremely supportive throughout his qualification, landing his first IT job straight after graduating.
Graduate Ben Claypole undertook his HND through an Apprenticeship with Cummins Technologies Ltd and UCS. He said “I’ve really enjoyed studying my higher apprenticeship, it is great as I can work as I study. I’m now going to continue my apprenticeship with Cummins and utilise what I’ve learnt to undertake new projects.
University Centre Stamford’s Teaching Foundation Degrees are designed to be studied without having to leave work, in fact they work alongside your career.
Fiona Bideau studied the Diploma in Education and Training alongside her day job as a Lecturer in Special Education for Foundation Maths. She said “I’ve loved my time at UCS, it’s been hard work but totally worth it. I wasn’t able to complete a degree at university due to my job and family commitments but studying at UCS meant I could do both! The graduation marks the end of an amazing experience for many of us here today.”
Upon graduating, Zoe Whitwell who studied the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood has been promoted to Lead Early Years Practitioner in her work place. She said, “Thank you so much to UCS for all of the support you’ve given me over the last two years. It’s been hard work and I wouldn’t have been able to get where I am today without you”.
If you are interested in studying a course at University Centre Stamford visit their Open Evening on Tuesday 2nd October from 5pm – 8pm. For more information on University Level courses visit www.stamford.ac.uk or call 01780 484311.
