Hundreds of students set to graduate at Caird Hall

HUNDREDS of students at Dundee and Angus College were celebrating their hard work as they graduated today.

The Caird Hall was a hive of activity as the D&A College annual awards ceremony took place.

Around 450 students who have completed Higher National programmes such as HNC, HND or BA degree SVQ and PDA awards attended, along with 1,500 family and friends.

Grant Ritchie, principal of Dundee and Angus College, congratulated the students for their efforts.

He said: “We are delighted to have shared in our students’ journey, supporting them in getting through their courses.

“All the hours of hard work have been worthwhile, balancing study with part-time jobs, looking after family and kids and juggling all the pressures that today’s world can throw up.

“Now they can move on to their next challenge — whether it’s university, the world of work or a gap period off around the world.

“Any college worth its salt really measures its success by the students that it helps to progress.

“We are proud of ours and wish them continued success.”

The special guest gracing the stage as part of the platform party this year is retired British athlete Derek Redmond.

During his career, Derek held the British record for the 400 metres sprint, and won gold medals in the 4x400 metres relay at the World Championships and European Championships.

His most memorable moment was one of courage when his hamstring tore during a race.

Instead of giving up Derek chose to continue the race he’d started.

With his father’s help he crossed the finishing line and the video of this moment is still used today in motivational videos all around the world.

Derek’s address at the ceremony was highlighting to the audience that they should never give up and that nothing is i mpossible with a little determination.

At the end of the ceremony, piper Rich Gordon played the students out into City Square.