Achievements recognised at college’s awards and graduation
STUDENT success was celebrated on Friday at the Angus College graduation and awards ceremony where a record number of students made their way across the stage at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel to receive their certificates.
Keynote speaker Provost Ruth Leslie-Melville presented Higher National Diplomas and Higher National Certificates in subjects ranging from engineering and contemporary art to multimedia and early education.
Among the students honoured, there were some remarkable stories of individuals who achieved success in challenging circumstances. The college recognised the achievements of these individuals with the special cross-college awards.
On of these special award winners was Fraser Burnett from Arbroath, whose dedication, success and commitment as a learner at Angus College earned him the Angus College Lifelong Learning Award.
Fraser first came to Angus College in 2004 after leaving school in fourth year with few qualifications. Two years later Fraser achieved his HNC Sports Coaching qualification and gained employment a sports development officer in Tayside for cricket, playing a huge role in developing the sport throughout Tayside at schools and clubs.
When his contract ended, Fraser was welcomed back to Angus College where he achieved his HND and the title of ‘Sports Student of the Year’.
He now wants to pursue a career as a primary school teacher and is studying for his Highers in order to gain entry to university next year. Fraser has been referred to by his tutors as “an outstanding student who as a teacher will make a fantastic role model for young children.”
Another award was also presented to a student who has displayed outstanding citizenship through volunteering and community activities.
The Volunteer Centre Angus Gold award was presented to HND Social Sciences Judyta Sadowska who proved herself as an outstanding ambassador for Angus College.
Throughout her time at the college, Judyta has acted as student multicultural officer, offering weekly translation drop-ins, arranging the college multi-cultural Christmas party and even visiting the college nursery to read stories to the Polish children. Judyta has also given up her own time to organise numerous fund-raising activities throughout the year as well as being a vital member of the student representative council.
Another of these special awards was Angus College International Student of the Year which was, once again, awarded to a student from Don Bosco College in Malawi.
For the past three years Angus College has been part of a Scotland’s Colleges’ international development project with Malawi working with staff and students in one of the poorest countries in the world.
This year, the college has used this award to sponsor Malawian accounting student Fionny Kapsepse. Like many students at Don Bosco College, Fionny faces a continual struggle to keep up with her studies due to unbelievable financial hardship. Fionny is the sole hope for a large family who are depending on her to complete her qualification to gain employment.
The scholarship donated by Angus College staff will help pay for learning materials and exam fees for Fionny.
For the first time this year’s ceremony also featured a group of graduates from the College’s BA Management Degree programme developed and delivered in partnership with Robert Gordon University.
This is the first cohort to complete this innovative qualification which is delivered part time via new broadcast technology which allows students to gain the qualification within 18 months.
Another first this year at Angus College was the presentation of scholarships at the award ceremony. Six students from a range of courses were given scholarships sponsored by organisations including Airlie Estates and the Edinburgh Angus Club. The recipients of these scholarships have all displayed hard work, dedication and in enthusiasm for their studies at Angus College.
Angus College Principal John Burt said: “Academic year 2009/2010 has been another outstanding year for the college with record numbers of enrolments and record levels of student success. After 14 years at the helm of Angus College, I am still inspired by what this college achieves and what it stands for. It is because of this that I remain very optimistic about the future of Angus College, in spite of the current economic climate.”
Chairman of the Board of Governors Graham Hay commented: “The graduation ceremony is one of the highlights of the college year, allowing us celebrate the success of the achievements of so many students. It gives the Board of Governors immense satisfaction to be here celebrating success and honouring those students who prevail with their studies even throughout difficult personal situations. It is clear that both learners and staff at the college are highly motivated and proud to be part of Angus College.”
A full list of award winners and graduates features in this week’s Arbroath Herald.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Arbroath
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
