Royal praise for college graduates
Congrats from HRH
Perth College UHI’s 2021 graduates received the Royal seal of approval as at-home celebrations were held with family and friends.
The accomplished students were greeted with a congratulations by HRH The Princess Royal, Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Island, during online graduations last week.
Many of those finishing their studies this year faced great disruption due to the COVID- 19 pandemic and have been commended for their achievements.
Evelyn Caldwell achieved a BA with distinction in Childhood Practice and said: “I had a fantastic day celebrating the end of four years studying part-time, while also carrying out my full-time job.
“It was worth it though to finally have that BA with distinction in Childhood Practice degree certificate in my hands.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying with UHI and I can’t thank all of the tutors enough for their support and encouragement.”
Katie Guthrie graduated with a BA in Music Business and said: “I really enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI.
“Getting a degree meant the world to me as, at one point, I wasn’t even sure I would get one! I was so excited to get my certificate and see I achieved a distinction.
“I’d like to thank the lecturers who were supportive throughout and my family who were behind me every step of the way.”
HND professional cookery graduate Denny Pereira - who is progressing to a course in BA Events Management - added: “It felt amazing to receive my graduation certificate.
“That sense of accomplishment of one more stage on my career, the feeling that the two years of hard work, resilience and commitment paid off.
“I had such phenomenal first two years. I was afraid of returning to higher education full time, as a mature student, but I enjoyed it throughout.
“From the welcome of the whole Perth College UHI; the quality of the course; the commitment of the lecturers; the support staff; and the best HNC and HNC classmates I could ever ask for.”
HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, said: “Gaining qualifications always requires dedication, but again this year, students have faced additional challenges.
“As the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world, all our lives changed in some way.
“It has been a difficult and uncertain time for everyone, so I would like to commend the adaptability and creativity you have shown in completing your studies and the support to your fellow students, your friends, your family and your community.
“Many of you volunteered in providing COVID information or volunteered in the frontline response.
“Adaptability, creativity and kindness are valuable attributes which will be particularly important as the world moves on from the challenges of this pandemic. Graduation is a key milestone in a person’s life, allowing you to reflect on our achievements.”
Principal and chief executive of Perth College UHI, Dr Margaret Cook, took the opportunity to address the students online: “I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you on achieving your award. As a cohort of students, and as individuals, you have the most challenging time of any students.
“To move from our normal method of delivery in March 2020, to fully online, and then to have major disruption in academic year 2021, that makes your achievements all the more special.
“I would like to join with my colleagues on our board of management, our senior team, and all of our staff across the college, in congratulating you on your achievement and wish you well for the future.”