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Rain on the parade fails to dampen spirits at HE graduation

Over 100 of Petroc’s degree students proudly paraded up Barnstaple High Street on Saturday, to take part in the annual Higher Education awards ceremony.

For the first time in its seven year history, the graduands had to contend with wind and rain during their journey from the Park Hotel to Saint Peter and Saint Mary Magdalene church, where the ceremony took place. However, this didn’t seem to dampen their spirits.

“At first it felt a bit embarrassing walking down the High Street but then, once I saw my family and friends, I just felt really proud. Everyone was cheering for us, which felt amazing!,” said FdA Early Childhood Studies graduate Gemma Netherway.

The students, who study HE at Petroc in partnership with Plymouth University, were led through Barnstaple by town crier Tom Evans and a number of local dignitaries, including Barnstaple Mayor Cllr Lesley Brown.

Craig Litster, HE Coordinator at Petroc, was clearly proud of his students.

“We offer local degrees for local people so, to celebrate our graduates’ achievements in the centre of Barnstaple, is very fitting. I believe that these graduates will directly benefit the local economy with whatever they choose to do next – every one of them is dedicated and talented, and is an asset to North Devon,” said Craig.

Speaking at the ceremony, Principal David Dodd, said: “To achieve in Higher Education is not easy nor routine; it demands commitments and sacrifices and of course demands hard work.  So, to the families and friends here today be proud of what they have achieved – they deserve it.”

David also talked about the plans for HE in North Devon: “We are working with Plymouth University to ensure that from September 2013 we are delivering the final year of the degree here in North Devon.

“We will develop honours degrees which are about stimulating aspiration and inspiration in the people, businesses and communities of this area,” said David.

During the ceremony several students received prizes for their outstanding achievements throughout their course. For Kawsar Chowdhury, the prize winner for FdSc Health and Social Care, this came as a surprise.

“I was really shocked to win – it could have been any one of the people on the course, as everyone worked extremely hard,” said Kawsar.

“This is the first big achievement of my life and it feels great!,” he added.

For more information about degree courses at Petroc contact the HE Office on 01271 852365.