Bradford College

Festival of Achievement 08

Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th November 2008

Bradford College proudly celebrated success with its annual Festival of Achievement, marking the achievements of students graduating from degree programmes validated by Leeds Metropolitan University.  The Graduation Ceremonies, held at St. George’s Hall, Bradford also recognised BTEC Higher National Certificate and Diploma students.

Mr Richard Wightman, Vice-Chair of the Corporation opened the ceremony. In part of his speech, Richard said to the graduands:  "You are the stars.  You are the people who have done the work.  Today we are celebrating your success, hard work and application.  Today is also the first day, of the rest of your lives. You will be entering jobs, professions and earning money. We hope you will continue to develop your love of learning, throughout your lives.  We hope you are successful, professionally in every job that you do.  We are confident that you will prosper materially because of your time here. Your qualifications will give you a higher standard of living and enable you to contribute to society more successfully because you have been here! ”

Vice-Chair of the Corporation, Mr Richard Wightman then handed over to Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive, Michele Sutton.  Guest Speaker, Professor Stephen Parkinson also attended the Graduation Ceremonies and helped present awards to the graduands with Principal, Michele Sutton.  Executive Director for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, Mr Mike Harwood was the Master of Ceremonies at the memorable event.

Michele addressed the audience:  “Lord Mayor, Vice Chairman, distinguished members of Bradford College and Leeds Metropolitan University, Pro Vice Chancellor, honoured guests, colleagues and friends.  Today we are celebrating the achievements of our graduands, diplomates and certificands, in a way that continues tradition and history and also looks forward to their future.”

With great pride Michele said:  “Last year, Bradford College celebrated its 175th birthday with a number of events including: The 125th anniversary of the opening ceremony of the Old Building, setting the foundation stone of the Phase 1 new building, the exclusive visit to Bradford by NASA Astronauts, the 175 Heroes event - and the opening of the Trinity Green Campus in September.  These events and many more exemplify the diversity and breadth of activities of Bradford College and give a clue as to the reasons behind the longevity of the College.”

Michele continued:  “I now want to address you the graduands who have come to this prestigious occasion to receive your hard earned awards.  I know that you have spent many years studying and working hard to achieve the goals that you have set for yourself.  Your commitment to the achievement of your degree will have been tested. Many of you will have given up a great deal to pursue your qualification. Undoubtedly, you will have had the support of your families, partners, children and friends without whom this would not have been possible and I am sure that you would want me to thank them for being there for you.”

“I also know that learning is a partnership between you and your tutors.  Their skills and expertise have been dedicated to your learning.  They take great pleasure in seeing you flourish and many of them are here today to celebrate your achievement with you.”

Speaking passionately to the graduands Michele said:  “You are very special.  You represent the future.  When you leave this hall today you will be joining a growing number of people in this country with a higher education qualification be that a Masters, a degree, diploma or certificate.  Your education and qualification will open doors for you. Your skills in a knowledge economy will enable you to earn more than people without qualifications and will contribute not only to your own and your families prosperity, but also that of your city.”

Michele spoke to the graduands about the spectacular 175 Heroes exhibition and booklet, which celebrated the successes and contributions of 175 staff and students drawn from our 175 year history. Michele said:  “So what do all our 175 heroes have in common?  They have a variety of skills.  They are ambitious.  They are determined to achieve even in the face of obstacles and barriers.  They stay focussed and know the direction they are going in.  They stay positive and optimistic and are highly motivated.  They say, the only person that stops you doing things, is you.  If you do all the above, then you too will maximise your opportunities.”

Michele added: “Be an ambassador for Bradford College, Leeds Metropolitan University, the City of Bradford and for learning.  Our 175 heroes have become role models and have inspired others.  It’s now your turn to live up to this challenge and encourage others to take a similar path to you.”

“I don’t underestimate how important the day is to you and your family and friends.  Not only should you be proud of your own achievements, your family and friends, your tutors and employers and I am proud of you too.  Please accept our congratulations and best wishes for your future and most of all enjoy your day.  Well done!”

Graduation Galleries
Gallery Of Students, Family and Friends

Students, friends and family expressed their delight at the graduands, diplomats and certificants achievements. Hear their comments on the memorable event.

International student, Ming came over to study Fashion at Bradford College from China. Attending the ceremony to see Ming graduate were Ming’s ‘adopted’ English family, Elizabeth and Colin Berry.   Adopted mum, Elizabeth explained:  “I met Ming through work and we became very good friends.  Her boyfriend left the country, so Ming came to stay with us. She’s like our adopted daughter – we are very, very proud of her today.  We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.  She’s part of our family and she knows it.  We’re having a meal back at home to celebrate this evening.  Her graduation is something we’ve been looking forward to all year.”

Elizabeth’s husband, Colin added: “As Ming's English mum and dad, words cannot express how proud, we are of her today!”

Speaking before the graduation ceremony began, student Ambrose remarked: “I’m feeling a little bit nervous, but obviously pretty happy with what I’ve achieved over the last few years, before that I was a bit of a drop out. Its been good for me to have the opportunity to study through work.  I came to the College on day release from the company I work for.  Having the HNC in Business will help me with work, but it’s also good for my own personal achievement.”

Katie also studied on the same course as Ambrose.  Katie added:  “I’m slightly nervous.  I think I’m going to fall over or something when I collect my award.  It will all be worthwhile once I’ve got my certificate.” When asked what Katie’s family and friends thought of her achievement, Katie replied: “My mum and dad are coming today, so I think they’re proud.  I think it will be nice for them to see me collect my certificate.”

Mature student John studied for a Diploma in Management Studies and has achieved the highest grades, amongst his peers on the course.  John said: “I’m very pleased to graduate today.  I’ve really enjoyed the course. I’ve met some fabulous people.  I’m so glad to have met up with them all again today to share in this wonderful experience.”  John continued:  “My wife’s here today to see me collect my award.  I never thought I’d get to attend a graduation ceremony. It was my boss at work who encouraged me to come and do the course. I think it will help with my career, but most of all it has been a great personal achievement - and a very proud day!”

Dawn has completed her HNC Business.  She intends to continue her studies at Bradford College and further her education and passion for learning.  Dawn expressed her delight at attending the ceremony, she said:  “I’m really excited about today. It just tops off my achievement by having a formal ceremony… it’s something to show I’ve done it.  There’s also the added bonus of getting together with my friends and family to celebrate.”  Dawn added: “My family are really proud.  My dad cried the other day.  They can’t wait to come here today and see me receive my award.”  

Proud parents Simon and Jacqui Robertshaw spoke of their joy as they came to watch their son Tom graduate.  Mother, Jacqui said:  “I’m very; very proud. It’s an emotional day.  When I got out of the taxi this morning to attend the ceremony and I saw him stood there – a lump came to my throat.”

Father, Simon added: “I think it will be very emotional seeing Tom, receive his certificate.”

Tom graduated in Marketing and Communications.  He said: “It’s good to have my parents here today to help me celebrate this achievement.”

Commenting at the graduation ceremony, Business Studies graduate, Irfan said: “It’s one of the proudest days of my life so far.  My parents are proud and are happy for me too.  I’m going on to do a Masters after this, followed by a PGCE. I might get into teaching. I enjoy studying and get a lot out of it.”

When asked what Law graduate Rebecca thought of her achievement, Rebecca said:  “I’m very proud of myself.  I’ve done really well and I’ve enjoyed my time at Bradford College. I got a good level of degree. I got a 2:1 so I’m very pleased.  It’s good to have a formal celebration and get together with everyone to celebrate our achievements.”

Neil remarked after the ceremony had concluded: “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved over the last year.  I’ve really enjoyed the ceremony today.  Its made all the hard nights staying up studying worthwhile.”

PCET graduate Ray added: “Its been a ‘Festival of Achievements’ for everyone who has been involved within the ceremony from different backgrounds and from different areas of Bradford College. We’ve all come together as one group and we’ve all graduated on the same day.”

Fellow PCET graduate Anthony said: “Its been a great experience and having a degree like this makes me very proud.”

Attiq spoke of his delight at graduating following his hard work and determination to succeed.  Commenting after the ceremony had concluded, Attiq said: "First of all I’d like to thank my family and friends for all their support. I’ve been waiting a long time for this day to come.  I’ve really enjoyed the ceremony, experience and sharing the celebration with my friends on the course.”