Hopwood Hall students celebrate at graduation ceremony

There was huge cause for celebration as Hopwood Hall College and University Centre held its Higher Education graduation and awards ceremony.

The glitzy event saw talented alumni donning 100% recycled caps and gowns in front of their friends and family at the Norton Grange Hotel in Castleton.

Throughout the evening a number of people delivered speeches, including principal and CEO, Julia Heap, and chair of the corporation, Nazir Afzal.

Baroness Newlove, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton, also spoke at the occasion.

Others in attendance included the Mayor of Rochdale, Aasim Rashid, and the proud tutors who teach at the University Centre.

The Class of 2021 each had their moment to shine on the stage as they were presented with certificates for successfully completing their higher-level courses.

The celebration concluded with three individuals receiving one of this year’s coveted Higher Education Awards.

 

 

The Award for Academic Excellence went to Lorraine Dale, who studied Level 4 Advanced Beauty Therapy Techniques.

Lorraine, from Manchester, was commended for achieving a number of distinctions on her course in the face of great health challenges.

The Award for Outstanding research then went to Foundation Degree in Early Years student Helen King-Wilson, from Oldham, whose work was praised as innovative and well executed.

Finally, HND Film and Television student Nathan Eastham was announced as the winner of the Remarkable Achievement and Dedication Award.

Nathan, who attended North Chadderton School in Oldham, was applauded for his exceptional dedication.

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said: “This special event was the perfect way to celebrate the newest graduates of our University Centre.

“The Class of 2021 has worked so hard and really deserved this moment in front of those who have supported them along the way.

“I’ve no doubt that so many doors will now begin to open for them in their careers as a result of these qualifications.

“These individuals aren’t just the future of Rochdale, but the future of Manchester and beyond!”