In the historic Beverley Minster, University Centre Bishop Burton (UCBB) students, staff and friends gathered for an impressive graduation ceremony.
Among the 130 graduates were students who studied agriculture, animal sciences, criminology, equine, floristry, sport, exercise science, and health, as well as teacher training.
A warm welcome from Bishop Burton Governor Kevin Kendall followed by a report from the Principal and Chief Executive, Bill Meredith, before a special guest, Professor David Richards, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), University of Hull, and Dr Lynne Senior, School Consortium Director, University of Huddersfield, conferred the degrees of the graduates. Grant Burton, a member of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, presented Maja Johansson-Ward with the Best Student in Agriculture Award.
Students completing Level 4 apprenticeships in Agricultural Management were included in this Graduation in addition to the vast range of degrees conferred. A higher-level qualification provides a work-based alternative to academic qualifications for managing and finance roles within industry.
Several inspiring student success stories were highlighted in the Principal’s report. One of these students was Briar Dunn, who graduated with distinction from the FdSc Applied Canine Behaviour and Training program.
Providing specialist dog training services to Guide Dogs for the Blind, Briar is now the first wheelchair user to do so. A special mention was also awarded to Samuel Caswell, a BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Conservation Management graduate.
On being part of the ceremony, Samuel said:
“It’s a wonderful day to recognise all our hard work and achievements and catch up with friends.”
During the graduation ceremony, graduands also heard from Professor David Richards, who used his own personal experiences to illustrate the importance of education.
The Assistant Principal of Higher Education, Dr Rachael Fell-Chambers, reflected on the significance of Graduation for students and the University Centre. She 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.”
Olivia Hammond gave a heartfelt Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Student Association. Thesis of the Year Awards shortlisted Olivia for the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA):
“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.”
“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.”
There are a variety of degree programs offered by UCBB in many different subject areas. Please see https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/university-centre/subjects
