Truro Cathedral was a buzz of excitement on Saturday as over 700 attended the University Centre Truro & Penwith's 26th Graduation ceremony
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Truro Cathedral was a buzz of excitement on Saturday 19 October as over 700 students, family members and staff celebrated the 26th Graduation ceremony of the University Centre Truro & Penwith.
Before the presentation of scrolls, Scarlet Ring, FdSc Law with Business Graduand was presented the first-ever University Centre Truro & Penwith Award for Excellence, by Dr Emily Myatt, Dean of the University Centre.
Scarlet gave a touching and personal speech to inspire and celebrate the momentous occasion with the story of her journey, first at Penwith College and then with the University Centre Truro & Penwith. Scarlet said: “My path wasn’t straight forward. Growing up I wasn’t encouraged to pursue an education. I was taken out of school, never finishing my secondary education and earning a degree felt like an impossible dream.
“I got the chance to rewrite my story at Penwith College, from there I pushed myself to complete a Level 3 course, achieving grades I never thought possible, finally setting my sights on a Foundation Degree.
“I chose the University Centre because I knew I wasn’t just another number, the staff knew me personally and they helped me in ways I don’t think any other College or University would have.
“The University Centre Truro & Penwith isn’t just about getting a degree, it’s about preparing for real-world employment in areas where the local community needs us most.”
Scrolls were presented by the University Centre Dean Dr Emily Myatt, highlighting many students who had achieved the esteemed Principal’s Commendation for their commitment to study. Several other highly regarded awards were also presented.
BSc (Hons) Applied Computing Technologies Graduand Susan Trebilcock picked up the Student Ambassador Award having exemplified what it means to be an Ambassador for the University Centre, collecting her degree having left school 50-years ago with no qualifications and, “keen to show the world what she can do”.
The Education Award was scooped by Certificate in Education Graduand Zoe Allen whose research project on student assessment has influenced working practices in the University Centre’s Education department.
Caley Witchell, BSc (Hons) Applied Computing Technologies Graduand, was presented the University of Plymouth Academic Partnership Prize by Professor John Curnow, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Plymouth, having demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication despite facing significant personal and health challenges.
BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practitioner Graduand Poppy Budden was presented the University of Greenwich Academic Partnership Prize by Dr Beverly Joshua, Head of School and Associate Professor at the University of Greenwich. Having performed so well during a work placement at Treliske Hospital Poppy has gone on to secure a graduate role to start her career.
Preceding the presentation of scrolls, supportive friends, family, fellow classmates and staff received a warm welcome from the Dean of the Cathedral, Simon Robinson, before hearing from Robert Townsend, Chair of Governors and special guests from awarding partners the University of Plymouth, University of Greenwich and Martin Tucker, Principal at Truro and Penwith College, who commented: “The real privilege of our work is to give people the opportunity to learn, develop and change. That means that the communities they serve can develop and make progress too.
“The University Centre is always updating and introducing new courses to meet the emerging skills needs identified in Cornwall. Key areas that have seen development are linked to Offshore Wind, Lithium and Electric Vehicle technology, and Construction. We continue to train Nurses, Nursing Associates and Operating Department Practitioners here in Cornwall many of whom are graduating today. These graduates have now entered direct employment in the county and are helping to address the skills shortages in our health services.
“My congratulations to all the graduates and on their behalf a thank you to their families and friends who have supported them through this journey.”
After the final scroll was presented and the event drew to a close Graduates departed Truro Cathedral safe in the knowledge that their future careers are now closer than ever before.
University Courses are closer than you think; with over 50 courses and higher-level Apprenticeships under its Commercial, Education and Health Hubs including; Engineering, Construction, Teaching, Nursing, Cyber Security and Business, there has never been a better time to think about changing your future at the University Centre Truro & Penwith. If you’ve been thinking about a change in direction and are interested in a subject area, discuss your options at the University Centre on Truro College Open Day on 09 November, head to www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/events to find out more.
Post-ceremony Graduates continued the celebrations with thier freinds, families and lecturers, many using the event’s photobooth.
View our celebratory photography here.
