Joy for Furness College students at glittering graduation ceremony

They packed the theatre at the sixth form campus joined by college staff and family and friends who have supported them through their studies.

Some 120 students received their higher education qualifications this year after studying at the Channelside campus in Barrow.

Guest speaker Angela Jones, who is director of thriving places at Westmorland and Furness Council and grew up in Millom, conferred the HNCs, degrees and honours degrees in health and social care, education, engineering, construction, business and computing.

Angela Jones (Image: Furness College)

Congratulating the graduates on their commitment to their studies she said they should be very proud.

“All the long days, juggling work, life and studying, the sacrifices you have made and your hard work and determination should be applauded,” she said.

“I will always remember one of my managers giving me some advice. She said we all had a duty to be the best we can be, not to be the best but the best we can be and to help others to do the same.

“So take your own path, be bold, make mistakes and celebrate your successes and be the best you can be.”

Graduate Sarah Bektasoglu was delighted to receive her Foundation Degree in Children, Young People and their Services from the University of Central Lancashire.

“I am thrilled to have graduated and look forward to putting the skills I’ve learnt into practice when I return to St Bernard’s School in September,” she said. “I wanted to study a degree close to home, and heard how Furness College offered a university feel campus, with tutors who support you every step of the way.”

Her course colleague Dillan Taputu, who works at South Cumbria Pupil Referral Unit, said his tutors had been very supportive.

Dillan Taputu (Image: Furness College)

“I knew I wanted a career within youthwork, but I wanted to offer more, and become a teacher. Furness College was local and convenient to fit around family life.”

Ebany Ambrose who achieved a first-class Honours degree in Business Management with Project Management Studies from the University of Cumbria said she was looking forward to using her degree to be a tutor herself.

“I am incredibly happy and so pleased to have graduated. The tutors have been so supportive and friendly, as well as motivating us to do our best.”

Furness College’s Director of Curriculum, Technical and Higher Education Kate Colebourn led the event and introduced the Frank Cairns Awards, which are presented in memory of a former lecturer.

Paul Bland, who was graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from Lancaster University, won the Award for Outstanding Commitment in Technical Engineering.

Paul Bland with family (Image: Furness College)

“I knew of Frank and his reputation as a committed and supportive tutor and generally lovely bloke was widely recognised,” said Paul. “Academic achievement or recognition has always been something that has eluded me, at school I was often labelled as an underachiever, so this award is a massive deal for me, it validates my effort over the last seven years.

“I feel that this award should be shared by my tutors for their ‘outstanding commitment’ to me. A lot of my tutors went above and beyond to enable me to get this far and work at this level for which I am extremely grateful.”

Emma Lafferty, who is a construction environmental advisor at Sellafield and has achieved her HNC in Construction and the Built Environment at college, won the Award for Outstanding Commitment in Construction.

Emma Lafferty (Image: Furness College)

“I’m really thrilled to win this award because I don’t come from a trade or engineering background so it is quite special.

“Studying while working has helped me to progress in my career, it has been a challenge and you have to be driven and organised but it has been worth it.”

Furness College also presented its first Honorary Fellowship to former deputy principal Mark Nicholson at the event and student Ben Edmondson was also presented with the Institution of Engineering and Technology Prize for his outstanding performance in his engineering degree.