Glitzy graduation ceremony for Hopwood Hall College’s Higher Education Class of 2024

Hopwood Hall College and University Centre celebrated its Class of 2024 during its Higher Education Graduation and Awards Ceremony.

The annual bash, which marks the success of students graduating from the college’s University Centre, was extra special as it made its return to the splendour of Rochdale Town Hall.

Graduates, guests and esteemed keynote speakers gathered for the glitzy ceremony in the stunning Great Hall.

This included the MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, who delivered an inspiring speech to those in attendance. The Higher Education Class of 2024 donned caps and gowns as they were called to the stage to have their moment in the spotlight for achieving their qualifications.

One by one they collected their hard-earned certificates for courses such as the HTQ in Computing, HNC in Mechanical Engineering, and HND in Creative Media Production (Games Art & Development).

 

 

In addition, two special awards were given out and presented on stage by the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Shakil Ahmed.

The first one, the Award for Academic Excellence, went to 35-year-old Siobhan Martin.

Siobhan, from Middleton, was praised for earning a distinction on the foundation degree in early years. Meanwhile, the Award for Remarkable Achievement and Dedication went to 45-year-old Louise Sheldrake.

The mum-of-two, from Middleton, was commended for showing ‘remarkable resilience’ while studying the Level 4 Certificate in education and training.

This year’s graduation ceremony is Hopwood’s first since it formed a groundbreaking new partnership with the Open University.

This groundbreaking alliance sees specially-selected bachelor’s degrees delivered by the college and validated by the Open University.

The first of which, the BSc Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation and the BSc Health and Social Care, started running in September.

 

 

Julia Heap, principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said: “Our Higher Education Class of 2024 put their heart and soul into finding success at our University Centre.

“The ceremony was the perfect occasion to celebrate everything they’ve achieved and to give them a moment to shine in front of their friends, families, and lecturers.

“I couldn’t be prouder to hear about the doors that have started to open for them – with many having already secured jobs that they’ve dreamed about for years and others progressing to complete top-up degrees at universities across the country.

“By choosing to stay local, they’ve thrived by taking advantage of the accessible fees and smaller class sizes that allow for exceptional student support.

“They really are an incredible example of the opportunities people can enjoy from studying Higher Education.”