Riseholme College celebrates student success at Graduation Ceremony

130 students graduated from programmes in a range of subject areas including agriculture, animal sciences and sport, exercise science and health.

Following a warm welcome from Governor Kevin Kendall and the Principal’s report from Principal and Chief Executive, Bill Meredith, graduands were conferred with their degrees by special guests Professor David Richards, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), University of Hull and Dr Lynne Senior, School Consortium Director, University of Huddersfield. Several special awards and prizes were also presented including a Best Student in Agriculture Award, which was awarded to Maja Johansson-Ward by Grant Burton, member of the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

In addition to the vast range of degrees being conferred, this Graduation was the first to include students who have completed Level 4 apprenticeships in Agricultural Management. These higher-level qualifications provide those seeking a work-based rather than academic route to management and finance roles within industry.

The Principal’s report praised the diversity and talent of the students and made special mention of a number of inspiring student success stories. It also touched on the wonderful sense of community at the college and the lasting friendships that have been forged. FdSc Animal Management and Behaviour graduand Sharon Ross echoed this sentiment saying “It's actually very emotional. It’s lovely to get together and think we’ve done it! I wish I could do it all again.”

Within the beautiful and iconic setting of Beverley Minster, graduands also received an inspiring Graduate Address from Professor David Richards; who used his own personal experiences to illustrate the value of education and how it would influence their outlook on life.

Reflecting on the importance and significance of Graduation to students and the College, Assistant Principal Higher Education, Dr Rachael Fell-Chambers said

"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.”

A heartfelt Vote of Thanks was given on behalf of the Student Association by BSc (Hons) Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation (First Class) graduand Olivia Hammond. Olivia, who was recently shortlisted as a finalist in the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Thesis of the Year Awards said “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, through their ongoing encouragement, compassion and support, nurtured us all into the successful, passionate and ambitious graduands we are today.”

Olivia further stated “I never thought I would feel such a sense of accomplishment and sadness that my time is over. You never understand the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”