That was the message from principal and chief executive Ken Merry at York College University Centre’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, September 26.
More than 150 graduates from the college’s degree and higher-level courses were joined by family members, friends and tutors, who applauded their academic success in the York Minster.
Guest speaker, former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, said the college was “one of Britain’s best and most highly regarded” during the ceremony, in which he spoke of his family’s links to the institution, with his father having taught bricklaying and building science at the old Clifford Street site and his mother a former art student.
An assistance dog joined in on the celebrations (Image: Supplied)
Among the graduates was Laura Smelt, who returned to education at the age of 28 and completed an access to higher education in art and design diploma before progressing onto the degree course.
At the end of her academic journey, Laura said: “Celebrating it all coming to an end with my family is emotional. A degree is something I have wanted for a long time and I’m really happy with my achievement.”
Among the ceremony’s platform party, alongside Sir Vince, were Margaret Wells, The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of York, and Dr Wayne Bailey, the head of school of education for Huddersfield University.
Sir Vince, who also had a tour of the college, congratulated the graduates and their tutors on the part they had played in the students’ success.
He went on to add how he believed that the college is breaking “glass ceilings” by opening up higher education progression pathways to a broader demographic of people.
During his address, Sir Vince said: “One of the great things about your college today is that it doesn’t recognise glass ceilings. The access to higher education courses provide a progression route even for people who left education behind at GCSE stage.
“We no longer accept that people should be trapped for life by virtue of their class, race or gender.”
Addressing the graduates, Mr Merry added: “Being able to celebrate the completion of any qualification is wonderful and can open doors to an exciting career, but there is always something a little more special about graduating from a degree or higher-level qualification.
“Such qualifications are hard to achieve; they take a lot of determination, a lot of perseverance, and a lot of challenging work.
“Education can be life changing and life defining. I would not be where I am today if it was not for a strong education and the opportunities that this has presented to me.
“Whatever your future holds, please throw yourself into it and tackle it with the same passion, enthusiasm, and dedication that you have your studies.
“If you do that, there will be no end to the remarkable things you can achieve in your life and career.”
