Graduates Shine at Cathedral Ceremony
Cornwall College press release
Several hundred students were in high spirits on Saturday, after donning the traditional mortar boards and gowns to graduate from Cornwall College in ceremonies held at Truro Cathedral.
More than 700 students graduated from over 100 university courses, with 400 able to attend the two ceremonies on the day. Subjects ranged from Business, Fine Art and Hospitality to Horticulture, Sport and Marine Science.
Dave Linnell OBE, Principal of Cornwall College, addressed those graduating and their families. He said: "This is one of the highlights of the year at Cornwall College, and for the county of Cornwall. It is an inspiration to see students who are graduating from such a variety of courses and, as someone born and bred in Cornwall, it gives me an immense amount of pride."
"We are committed to providing students with the very best Higher Education here in Cornwall. We hope that the next generation of learners will have even more opportunity to study in the County and contribute to the economic and social well being of our community. I congratulate all of our graduates and wish you the best of success for the future."
Graduates attended from all Cornwall College campuses in Camborne, Newquay, Saltash and St Austell, as well as Duchy College in Stoke Climsland and Rosewarne, and Falmouth Marine School.
The day was particularly special for a group from Cornwall College St Austell. The ladies all work in the College's Skills for Life department and each graduated with a Certificate in Education. Also celebrating from the same course were husband and wife, Matthew and Victoria Bird, from St Austell.
Whilst the majority of graduates are from Cornwall and Devon, about 10 per cent are from outside of the region, including Norfolk, Yorkshire and the West Midlands. Some had even further to travel, coming from Ireland, the Czech Republic and Gambia.
Kawsu Sanyang, from Gambia, flew in specially to attend his graduation ceremony. He said: "Cornwall is a great county and it was definitely worth travelling 3000 miles to be here. I gained so much from my time at Cornwall College. I have a lot to thank my lecturers for, as well as my financial sponsors Pat and Tony Mogford. I wouldn't be here without them."
Kawsu, who studied a Foundation Degree in Business at Camborne campus, was named as the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Business Foundation Degree Student of the Year. His award was presented by Richard Glover, CEO of the Chamber.
Anna Penrose, from Helston, also received a CCCI award as Business Bachelors Degree Student of the Year, as well as being named Cornwall College Student of the Year.
Pierre Tallon-Queraud, from Newquay, graduated with a Foundation Degree in Surf Science and Technology. He said: "The graduation ceremony has been great. All the hard work has paid off. The course was excellent and taught me exactly what I wanted to know. I'm now making surfboards for a living."
Kathy Brimacombe, from Falmouth, graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Health and Social Care Management. She said: "Today was a great day; it was exciting to be involved in the ceremonies. My degree was definitely hard work but really worth doing. When you get to this stage you realise how fulfilling and rewarding it has been."
Cornwall College is a partner of the University of Plymouth Colleges faculty, having worked together for over 25 years. All undergraduate courses are approved by the University of Plymouth through the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative.
Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, was invited to be the guest speaker at both ceremonies. She said: "Today has been a fantastic day and the celebration recognises the success of our graduates. I'm very proud of all of their achievements and the way in which the College and the University transform lives through education."
Cornwall College has increased the number of places available on degree courses this year as a response to the success of its Higher Education courses in recent years, and is currently taking applications for September.