Graduates celebrate success

1st November 2016 10:47am - Return to press releases

Fifty five graduates celebrated their graduation with friends and family at the historic Priory Church of St Mary in Bridlington this autumn.  Honours were conferred by the University of Hull and the University of Huddersfield to students from across Hull and the East Riding.  Guests included Professor Stephen Kelly, the Dean of Faculty for Science and Engineering at the University of Hull, who addressed the graduates and their guests. 

Amongst those celebrating was Student of the Year Michaela Westerman, aged 26, from Beverley.

 

Michaela achieved a BSc (Hons) in Sports, Coaching and Health Sciences.  She chose East Riding College for her degree as it was local and meant she could carry on working whilst studying.  Michaela hopes to go on to do a Masters in Psychology with the end goal of becoming a Sports Psychologist. 

 

 “I feel a massive sense of pride receiving student of year, I feel like all the hard work and late night library sessions have paid off - not only in my results but by receiving this award.  I was overwhelmed with emotions when I saw my name in the programme and heard the citation about myself.  It made my achievements seem very real - especially after undergoing surgery on my back and holding down a full time job whilst studying.” 

 

 “I would highly recommend this College to anybody - the flexibility around the course makes it ideal for any situation. Both sites have brilliant facilities for all courses. The tutors are extremely helpful and are accessible whenever you need them.”

 

 Derek Branton, Principal of East Riding College said:

"I was delighted to see so many graduates coming together to celebrate their success. The ceremony was a very enjoyable family occasion.  It is always heartwarming to hear the stories from the graduates about how their families and friends have supported them to achieve their degrees and other qualifications – often success cannot be achieved alone.

 

“It is also encouraging to hear from our students about how the courses they studied with us are already allowing them to advance further in their jobs or forge ahead in new careers.  
“We should also recognize the many employers who have supported their employees to achieve their qualifications.  I believe higher education is the seed bed of innovation and is vital to the economy – and it’s good to see that the College is playing its part, through the success of our students, in supporting the economic recovery of the region.”

 

If you’re inspired by Michaela’s success, find out about our next open event.