Grand ceremony held for graduates

The Graduation Ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall

Sixty-seven students have graduated from Hopwood Hall College’s higher education courses at a glittering graduation ceremony.

Over 350 guests including friends, family and VIPs gathered at Rochdale Town Hall celebrate the graduates’ achievements.

The students donned mortar boards and gowns and were presented with their graduation certificates by the College’s Principal Derek O’Toole. In total, 13 different subjects had been studied by the HE students, ranging from Business Studies to Sport.
Vice Principal John Spindler, said: “This event is one of the most important in the College calendar.

“We have increasing numbers of adults who would prefer to study locally for their higher education qualifications.

“In particular students appreciate that the cost of studying at the College is far less than in some of the local universities. We expect this trend to continue as fees increase in universities next year.”

Special guest speakers at the event included John Bostock Senior Lecturer in Post-Compulsory Education and Training at Edge Hill University, Cheryl Eastwood Executive Director, Children’s Services, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Andy Zuntz Executive Director, Regeneration, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council.