More than 600 people filled the Minster to watch the conferment of degrees on nearly 70 part-time Bishop Burton students this weekend. Among them, was Susan McKeon, a 46-year old marketing consultant, who discovered her vocation later in life and finally realised her dream of becoming an animal training and behavioural expert.
The event began with an academic procession and a speech from College Principal and Chief Executive, Jeanette Dawson OBE. She said; “I would like to offer congratulations to all here – graduating today is a fine achievement and one you, and those family members that have supported you, have all worked extremely hard for. We wish you well for the future and will look fondly on as your journey continues.”
Each graduand was presented with a scroll by the representatives from the College’s partner universities. Those eligible for University of Hull degrees were congratulated by Dr. David Richards, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, while the Leeds Beckett and University of Huddersfield conferees were awarded their degrees by principal lecturer, Julia Grainger and Dr. Roy Fisher respectively.
Susan McKeon, from Lincolnshire, who was also this year’s student representative, thanked the College staff on behalf of the graduates for their unfailing support and dedication. She also went on to thank the four legged family members, who had inspired many people to pursue their lifelong dreams.
“I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the role of our four-legged family members in today’s achievements. Sometimes our animals also turn out to be teachers and the inspiration to further our knowledge and education. For many of us, the question of ‘why does my pet do that?’ was the catalyst for embarking on an animal sciences degree and pursuing a life-long passion.”
Since completing her studies, Susan has worked with the Retired Greyhound Trust and the Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE), providing advice and guidance on the rehabilitation of former racing dogs. She is committed to promoting the virtues of ex racing greyhounds as pets and dispelling myths surrounding their behaviour, and has spoken at symposiums around the world, presenting her initial dissertation finding to the likes of GRWE in the UK and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers in America. Added to this, she has also become the ‘Ask the Expert’ expert for the canine publication Companion Dogworld.
On her award, she commented; “Although it may be a somewhat clichéd analogy, I do think that education is best described as a journey. Today is a stop-off on that journey, allowing all of us to reflect on how far we’ve come and to plan our next destination. Socrates is quoted as saying: ‘Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel’ and today, I think it’s fair to say, those flames are burning brightly in the historic setting of Beverley Minster, and long may they continue to do so.”
Among the 90 graduates were staff members Anna Williams and Helen Atkinson, who were both awarded the City and Guilds Diploma to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector, and Anthony Maka, who was awarded his Post Graduate Certificate in Education by Dr. Roy Fisher of Huddersfield University.
Helen Molton, Assistant Principal for Higher Education added; “While today’s graduates have only just started on their journeys, today has afforded them a chance to pause and reflect on what has been achieved over the last few years. Today’s graduates will go onto promising careers within their chosen field, and we wish them the very best success for their onward journeys.
Closing the ceremony, the Principal summarised; “It is clear to see from the number of supporters at the ceremony that many of this year’s graduates could not have got this far without friends and family, work colleagues and employers, tutors and mentors, playing their part. On behalf of all those graduating from the College today, I thank you for the support and encouragement you have given them.”
In total more than 300 degree students and almost 1,500 further education students have graduated from Bishop Burton College this year. For more information on the range of vocational courses available at Bishop Burton, visit www.bishopburton.ac.uk
