Students celebrate success at Lochaber college graduation
PROUD families and friends gathered at the Nevis Centre, Fort William, for this year’s West Highland College University of the Highland and Islands (UHI) graduation ceremony.
More than 100 students donned their gowns on Friday to celebrate their success with achievements from HNCs to degree and postgraduate level being recognised.
The ceremony began with an academic procession led by professor Clive Mulholland, principal and vice chancellor of the UHI, followed by Susan MacLean carrying the mace. West Highland College’s principal and chief executive Lydia Rohmer, along with members of the board of management and other guests joined the procession accompanied by piper Raj Smith from Inverlochy.
Ms Rohmer, who welcomed the students and their families to the ceremony and congratulated them on their achievements, said: ‘Whatever your aspiration, I hope what you gained here at the college is more than just a qualification, however valuable that is. I hope you have also gained confidence in yourself, that you have learned to think for yourself and as a result been able to forge new paths in your life.
‘We are all extremely proud of your achievements and delighted we can share this celebration with you.
‘Remember, there is no such thing as failure, only new opportunities to succeed in whatever you aspire to do.’
This year’s guest speaker was Kate Philp, a serving officer on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan, with an inspiring story. Kate suffered life changing injuries on active duty but was determined to overcome them and trekked to the South Pole as part of a Help for Heroes expedition and is now a leadership consultant.
Kelly Adams and Samanta Milzaraja, both from Fort William, were named students of the year and received a certificate and cash.
Sue Macfarlane, vice principal of academic affairs, said: ‘Kelly and Samanta represent the very best of all the students who were nominated for awards by their lecturers and we are delighted they have decided to continue their studies with us. Successfully completing a course can be a major milestone for many of our students, whilst for others it is a stepping stone to the next chapter. We congratulate all of them and wish them every success for the future.’
A vote of thanks on behalf of all students was given by Lucia Petrovicova, Highlands and Islands Students Association depute president for the college, and fellow student Baiba Samohvalova who thanked college staff for their support.
Music student Robert MacInnes and his college band performed and, at the end of the ceremony, the audience was treated to a remarkable performance of a piece composed by HNC music student of the year Mark Lawrie. Staff and fellow students, who had been primed, joined him in a ‘flash mob’ reprise of the song which was a memorable moment on which to end a great celebration.
Special awards: Connor Dougan, Broadford, Isle of Skye: Springboard Scotland Tourism Award, presented by Lorna Ferguson of Springboard Scotland.
Alexander Murray, Caol: Strathmore Hotels Tourism Award, presented by Alison Tracy of the Ben Nevis Hotel.
Jennifer MacInnes, Fort William: Scottish Qualifications Authority College Award, presented by Graham Campbell, SQA.
Heather McNeill, crofting and countryside skills lecturer, Broadford, Isle of Skye: Highlands and Islands Students Association (HISA) Best Academic Support, presented by Sorcha Kirker, HISA vice president.
We are all extremely proud of your achievements and delighted we can share this celebration with you
Lydia Rohmer
UHI Principal