Graduation celebrations
West Lothian College hosts ceremony
And the event welcomed a record number of students and an audience of more than 700.
The ceremony celebrated the achievement and dedication of around 200 students who were collecting certificates in a variety of subjects, including accounting, engineering, computing, events, hairdressing, fitness, care and many more.
It took place at West Lothian College on Saturday, October 28, and was supported by First East Scotland, Business Gateway West Lothian and local businesses.
The graduates were joined by over 500 of their family and friends to mark the successful completion of their courses.
West Lothian College principal and chief executive, Mhairi Harrington OBE, presented the graduates with their certificates.
Principal, Mhairi Harrington OBE, said: “Our graduation event is without doubt one of the most enjoyable moments of the year.
“This is a day for our learners and their families and friends to be proud of all the successes that have been achieved over the year, and it is also a time when we reflect on the diverse range of activities and initiatives that our students have been involved in over the past twelve months.
“This year has seen an unprecedented level of International activity with well over 100 different vocational and work experience visits and exchanges for groups of learners and staff travelling to many different parts of the globe.
“In addition we have expanded our range of programmes and are particularly pleased with the significant increase in engagement with employers from relevant industry sectors. The formal qualifications which are being awarded today have been well earned and are endorsed by either The Scottish Qualifications Authority or Professional Institutes to demonstrate their quality and value.
“The majority of our learners will already have used their qualifications to either go directly into employment or to progress to a partner college or University with entry into 1st, 2nd and even 3rd year degree study.
“Last but not least, on behalf of myself and the college staff who have had the pleasure of working with you during your programme, we wish you the very best for a bright and hopeful future.”
The graduation was opened with a welcome from Alex Linkston CBE, chair of the college’s Board of Governors, followed by opening remarks from Principal Mhairi Harrington OBE and a speech from special guest, Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, who is Professor Emeritus in the School of Life Sciences at Heriot-Watt University and a human rights activist.
Special award winners were announced by Fiona Hyslop MSP with the prizes presented by West Lothian’s Provost Tom Kerr. The winners were: SQA Student of the Year ( Enterprise) award, Jodie McMeeking, HNC Social Sciences; Enterprise Award, Nicola Russell, SVQ Level 3; Employer Engagement Award, Lisa Alexander, HNC Childhood Practice; Outstanding Personal Achievement Award, Andrew Mitchell, HND Engineering Systems; Outstanding Personal Achievement, Monika Landowska, HNC Beauty Therapy; Outstanding Personal
Achievement, Haley Brunton, HNC Contemporary Art Practice; Outstanding Personal Achievement, Kieran Ritchie, SVQ Level 3.
Closing remarks and a vote of thanks was given by Sarah Kerr, Student Association President.