More than 100 West Suffolk College students collect degrees during graduation ceremony at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds
An education leader has praised pupils for overcoming tremendous challenges as they collected their degrees.
Today, 139 pupils undertaking university studies at West Suffolk College received awards at a packed out St Edmundsbury Cathedral, in Bury St Edmunds, from noon.
Of these, 78 students gained a degree, with 31 achieving first-class honours, while the remainder bagged equivalent qualifications.
Dr Nikos Savvas, chief executive of the Eastern Education Group Trust, which includes West Suffolk College, expressed his pride at each and every one of the students.
He said: “I know that for many, the path to this moment has not been easy. They have faced challenges, setbacks and perhaps even moments of doubt.
“Yet, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, pushing through every obstacle to arrive at this point. Seeing them grow into the graduates they are today gives all of us at Eastern Education Group an incredible sense of pride.
“They truly deserve the awards and accolades bestowed on them today.”
During the ceremony, Dr Savvas and Reverend Canon Mark Haworth gave speeches.
Ros Somerville was given this year’s honorary graduate title and the guest speaker was Richard Bridgman, chairman of Warren Services Ltd.
Lizzie Foulkes, 41, of Haverhill, was among those who collected a first class degree today, in early childhood studies, having overcome serious challenges.
Suffering from right hemiplegia, a condition that causes paralysis on the right side of the body, her parents were told she’d be unable to walk, let alone attend university, she said.
“I saw an advert on Facebook advertising university studies at West Suffolk College,” she said. “Never in a million years did I think that I would be able to go to university.
“But my mum got me a bracelet about 25 years ago saying ‘she believed that she could – so she did’ – and this has been a constant source of motivation for me.
“So, with my mantra in mind, I went for it and started a degree three years ago. My husband and family were so supportive.”
Lizzie described university as the scariest thing she’d ever done.
Coming out of it, she found that you can learn without realising it and has made friends for life.
Having balanced university life with raising four children, she described herself as ‘over the moon’ to receive her results.
She is set to go on to work with Haverhill-based charity Reach.
“I only wish the doctor who wrote me off as a child was there to see it,” she added.
“I’d look them in the eye and tell them I’m a walking and talking example that anything is possible.”
Another student who collected her results today was 37-year-old Hannah Price, of Bury St Edmunds.
Having spent her life working in banking and finance, she fancied a switch up and went on to study criminology and sociology – and was inspired to do so by watching true crime documentaries.
She spent most of her degree working at Culford School, who suggested she take on a teacher training course, and collected her award alongside her mum.
She even gave a speech on behalf of all the students.
The mum-of-three said: “I learnt so much on the degree. We had modules on the causes of crime, psychology, ways to tackle crime, law, what the police do. And in the end, I actually preferred the sociology side of it.
“It has been over 15 years since I had been at school. I hadn’t written an essay since I was a teenager so it was daunting doing the degree in the beginning, but I was able to adjust quite quickly.”
Justin Wickers, 35, of Bury, also collected his degree today.
Having left school part-way through his A-levels, he completed his studies in criminal psychology this year.
A highlight for him was getting a job at a law firm within four days of finishing his course.
“I wasn’t daunted by going back into education in later life,” Justin said.
“I enjoyed it every day and realised that as soon as I started, I should have done it sooner. I’d say to other people who are considering a career change that they need to do is listen to that voice inside them that tells them they can change, amplify that voice and just go for it.
“I’d say having life experiences was helpful and overall university was a positive experience. I was a student representative during my degree and it was nice to be able to help and support others as a friend and mentor.
“In terms of graduation, it was both emotional and joyous and I’m currently considering coming back to work for University Studies at West Suffolk College as a mentor.”
Justin is also set to study for a Master’s degree.
Polly Davis, 21, of Bury, also graduated today.
She has been at West Suffolk College since she was 16 and has praised staff after securing a first class degree in early childhood studies.
She said: “I didn’t do well at school, but when I went to college, they picked up on the fact I was struggling. I took a test and they found out I was dyslexic and had dyscalculia. No one allowed me to get a test until college.
“It was a revelation and proved that they do really care about their students – they invest in you – so you invest in the programme and they support you if you have any problems.
“University studies at West Suffolk College completely suited me. We had smaller class sizes and the teachers were amazing.
“When I saw my grade, I broke down in tears of happiness. I didn’t think I was smart enough and now I’ve got a first.”
Polly is now trying out different work placements to find out what areas she wants to work in.
After the ceremony, guests and graduates mingled with staff, friends and families in the gardens of the cathedral.
In addition, four awards were handed to pupils nominated by teachers for outstanding achievements during their studies.
Samantha Gibbs was awarded for an outstanding dissertation; Chloe Rush was honoured for exemplary academic achievement; Jessica Woolnough was commended for academic excellence and Amy Pritchett for her dedication to her studies.
All degrees were accredited by the University of East Anglia, the University of Suffolk and Pearson.
