Success in Argyll College graduation ceremony
Arran students joined more than 80 other graduating students and their tutors and guests in the spectacular setting of the Argyllshire Gathering Halls in Oban, for Argyll College UHI’s annual graduation ceremony.
Along with the seven graduating Arran students, Arran’s Argyll College’s Maureen McKenna and Judi Worthington received awards for their support and guidance, earning themselves the best support staff award.
At the ceremony guest speaker, Professional Masterchef winner Gary McLean, gave an entertaining and motivational speech encouraging graduates to work hard to achieve their dreams.
Born in Glasgow, the 45-year-old multi-awardwinning chef spent his early career working in hotels where he learned a number of key skills.
At the age of 30 he opened his own restaurant in Glasgow and as head chef challenged himself to regularly create new and exciting menus for his customers. From there he went on to run the kitchens at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art and the Burrell Collec- tion, opening 80 restaurants during his career.
Gary has also held executive chef positions at two of Scotland’s biggest independent operators but it’s his current role as senior lecturer at City of Glasgow College that really fulfils his passion for mentoring other young chefs. Indeed, Gary was named CIS Hospitality Educator of the Year at the 2017 Catering in Scotland Excellence awards.
College Principal, Fraser Durie said: ‘Rarely do so many of our students get the opportunity to come together in one place, given that so many study at a distance from both their tutors and their peers, so it’s extremely gratifying that so many are attending today’s event.’
Following the graduation ceremony Shannon Lafferty, Highlands and Islands student association depute president, presented two awards. Scott Anderson from Dunoon was voted the student with best engagement with the Student Voice, and Maureen and Judi received the HISA best support staff award. They were nominated by local student Heather Snowden who said: ‘They are always so happy, enthusiastic and positive, and work together so hard as a team to make our lives at college as smooth as possible. ’
Heather was unable to make the graduation ceremony but was awarded an NC in social science. HNC childhood practice graduates Abbie Jackson and Hannah Hamilton attended the ceremony to collect their certificates in person.
Megan Hodkinson also received an HNC childhood practice; Lori Young and Lauren Reid were awarded HNCs in business and Wendy Ashley was awarded a BA Hons in sociology and politics.
If you would like to find out more about the wide range of opportunities available through Argyll College UHI visit www. argyllcollege.ac.uk.