Star students shine on awards night
HOPWOOD Hall College class of 2022 students have celebrated the graduation at a glitzy ceremony.
Held at Norton Grange Hotel in Castleton, the students from the college, which has campuses in Middleton and Rochdale, donned caps and gowns to celebrate their academic achievements.
It was the culmination of all their hard work and determination in higher education and friends, family and tutors were in attendance to cheer on the students as they took to the stage.
Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ali Ahmed, helped present awards to those graduates who had shined the brightest and Claire Aindow, Dean of the Off Campus Division at the University of Bolton, delivered an inspiring speech.
Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate the success of our incredible Class of 2022. We like to say that you can do your degree differently at Hopwood Hall - and these inspiring individuals are certainly evidence of that! Our students are made up of people of all ages, from all backgrounds and from all walks of life.
“The fact they’ve all reached this impressive milestone is yet more proof that you can stay local and go far when it comes to Higher Education.
“I’ve no doubt they’ll all go on to achieve great things now that they’ve demonstrated such a staunch commitment to their field of expertise!”
The Award for Outstanding Research went to Julie Gordon, who had completed the Level 4
Certificate in Education and Training.
Julie, 50, was commended for being an ‘exemplary trainee’ on her course, which has allowed her to pursue a career in teaching.
The Award for Remarkable Achievement and Dedication went to Emma Tomson, who completed the HND in Animal Management.
Emma, from Trafford, was praised for the high quality of her work and for being accepted onto the college’s Animal Care internship programme.
Finally, 25-year-old Bilal Baig won the Award for Academic Excellence.
Bilal, from Tameside, was applauded for performing strongly on his HND in Games Art and Development.