PRESS
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26th November 2012
Stow College students celebrate graduation
Hundreds of successful students have been honoured at Stow College’s
2012 Graduation Ceremony. The event marks a milestone for learners studying a
wide variety of courses, from Business and Enterprise to Musical Production.
Principal of Stow College, Dr. Robert McGrory, said: “I’m always
amazed by the level of commitment and passion for learning that our students
display. The annual graduation ceremony is our way of recognising the
sacrifices and commitments they have made to achieve their goals. At Stow
College we’re focussing more than ever on equipping learners with
entrepreneurial skills so they can play leading roles in the revitalisation of
the economy. Some students are continuing their education at our country’s
leading universities while others are ready to break into the world of work. I’m
incredibly proud of each and every one of them and wish them all the best of
luck as they continue their journeys.”
Around 200 students graduated at this year’s event, which took
place on Friday 23rd November in the grand surroundings of Glasgow’s
Royal Concert Hall. With more than 70 different nationalities and a wide mix of
age groups in its student population, Stow College has become a centre of
learning for people of all ages from all corners of the world. This year’s
ceremony was attended by graduates and their family members from as far afield
as Nepal and Nigeria.
Computer Software Development graduate, Muhammad Sufyan,
commented: “When I first came to the UK I went through a lot of challenges. It
was difficult being away from my family and being in a new country, but I met
new people and made new friends who have been so nice to me. I’m finally here
and have achieved my dream, which is a wonderful feeling.”
Among the graduates were students from across Scotland, including
Marilyn Sweeting, who received an HND in Acting and Performance. The 21 year
old said: “I’m so grateful to Stow College for getting me where I am today. My
confidence has been given such a boost and I’m now completely at ease
performing in front of an audience of hundreds. I also met my boyfriend and my
best friend at the college so student life really has changed me as a person.”
A number of special awards were also issued in recognition of
students who’ve gone that extra mile, including the SQA Award, which was handed
to HND Social Science graduate Joel Nkhoma.
Joel’s lecturer, Pam Currie, commented: “Joel started
at Stow College in 2009 when he was just 16 years old. He had come to Scotland
from Malawi and was an unaccompanied asylum seeker after his uncle returned to
the country. From day one he excelled in his studies and he has now been
accepted into Year 3 of a BA Social Science degree programme at Glasgow
Caledonian University, where he plans to specialise in Politics and Criminology
for his Honours programme.
“In
addition to his contribution in class during his time at Stow College, Joel
also contributed to the wider life of the college, in particular joining in
campaigns to support other asylum seekers when their right to live in Glasgow
was threatened. Joel hopes to study law once he has completed his Honours
degree, and is considering various career options – including the offer of work
from the same project that helped him as a young asylum seeker in an unfamiliar
city and culture. He says that he definitely sees his future here in Glasgow,
and we are very proud of his achievements!”
-ENDS-
Image
1: 3 successful graduates at Friday’s ceremony.
For more
information, contact: Brian O’Neill, Halogen Communications, (T) 0131 202 0120 (F) 0131 225 3757 (E) brian@halogencom.com
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