Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Graduates make the grade
Monklands students were recognised for their wonderful work throughout the year at New College Lanarkshire’s annual awards ceremonies.
Nearly 600 people who completed their studies at the college’s campuses across Lanarkshire – including Coatbridge – and East Dunbartonshire were joined by proud friends, family, staff members and invited guests at the glittering occasion.
The graduation day involved two ceremonies at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and students who completed a course at SCQF Level 7 or above were invited to attend to receive their award from college principal Martin McGuire.
The first ceremony attracted graduands from the faculties of business, social science and sport and computing and creative industries, while the second gathering was dedicated to care and science, engineering and automotive, and service industries students.
Julie Savage, 24, of Airdrie was one of five students to scoop academic excellence awards, with each receiving a cheque for £200 from sponsors Ede & Ravenscroft.
The inaugural Eleanor Lafferty award for achievement was presented to Ashley Watson, 29, also from Airdrie, who achieved the highest mark for her graded unit exam in HND legal services.
Current HND music students opened and closed proceedings on a high note with rousing performances; the band included Nicole Martin on vocals, guitarist Ian Devlin, David McNally on bass, drummer Matthew Preston and Stephanie Cowan on saxophone. Following both ceremonies, students and their guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the foyer to toast their success and capture the moment with photographs.
Principal Martin McGuire said: “This important occasion in the college calendar provides an opportunity for family, friends, college staff and invited guests to join students in a celebration of their achievement in attaining an educational qualification.
“For many students, this award will be part of a continuing educational process and will perhaps be an important first step in a future path of lifelong learning.
“I am confident that the vocational qualification students have achieved at New College Lanarkshire will greatly assist in their future career development.”