The outstanding achievements of over 230 University Level students from Trafford College and Stockport College were celebrated on Wednesday 6th October, when family, friends, academic staff and honoured guests came together for the annual Graduation Ceremony.
Taking place at the beautifully iconic Manchester Cathedral, a location famous for its stunning architecture and historical importance, the Graduation Ceremony began with the annual procession of academic staff and honoured guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of both Stockport and Trafford, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, as well as Navendu Mishra MP.
Deputy Principal Carmen Gonzalez-Eslava, opened proceedings with an annual address, before Labour MP Andrew Gwynne was welcomed to the stage as the keynote for the ceremony, offering thought-provoking, inspirational advice to the students. Andrew, who is most known for his role as Labour MP for Denton and Reddish, is an active partner within the college and supports students within his remit as community ambassador. He congratulated and encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams boldly and to never give up.
Students were then presented with their formal qualifications, with awards including BA Honours and Foundation degrees, HNDs, HNCs and a wide variety of higher professional qualifications across a number of disciplines. Full details of the conferment of awards can be found in our Graduation Program.
A highlight of the ceremony, was an address led by Jane Andrews, Head of the Faculty for Creative Arts, presenting the Special Recognition Awards to graduates from both 2020 and 2021 who have demonstrated dedication and commitment in overcoming adversity, to obtain their qualification. The recipients of this year’s awards were:
- Jennifer Bennett, Foundation Degree Graphic Art and Design awarded Higher Education Student of the Year 2020
- Rachael Burns, BA Hons Childhood Studies awarded Higher Education Student of the Year 2021
- Nigel Cardy, HNC Engineering awarded Professional Student of the Year 2020
- Daniel Hadwin, HNC Construction awarded Professional Student of the Year 2021
Our Commitment to Learning
Along with excellent industry links the University Level provision we have at Trafford College boasts a successful partnership with validating university Sheffield Hallam. Those who graduated on Wednesday placed Trafford College above the national average for overall student satisfaction in the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS).
With overall student satisfaction rates of 90% and progression into employment and student pass rates both at an all time high of 97% – we are now leading the way in Higher Education across Greater Manchester – meaning there’s no better time to join us.