Students Graduate in Style!

Llandrillo Cymru's 15th Annual Graduation Ceremony was held this week at Venue Cymru, Llandudno in front of a full house of students, their families and friends.

The Graduation Ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of nearly 200 of the College's Degree, Foundation Degree, HND, HNC and Postgraduate students. Representatives from Coleg Llandrillo Cymru's associate and partner universities officiated at the ceremony.

Coleg Llandrillo Cymru's Principal, Mr. Huw Evans OBE said: “I am very pleased to welcome guests, graduates, diplomates and award winners to the College's 2008 Graduation Ceremony; the high point of the Coleg Llandrillo Cymru calendar. This represents the completion of many years of intense study, commitment and effort by our students and teaching staff.

“The presentations this afternoon cover all our main Higher Education courses, and reflect both the choice and the range of education provision which is now available at Coleg Llandrillo Cymru. In keeping with previous ceremonies, we also include our Achiever Awards for outstanding performance. We offer our best wishes to our award winners across all curriculum areas.

“This year, the College is celebrating its sporting achievements and is pleased to present its students with their sporting awards and caps for national representation for Wales.

“It is always a great pleasure to welcome senior staff representing our partner institutions. This year I am also especially delighted to welcome Professor Mike Scott, Principal of the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education, who is our guest of honour today.”

Coleg Llandrillo Cymru has further expanded its portfolio of Higher Education courses both independently and in partnership with Higher Education institutions including University of Wales, Bangor, University of Wales, Newport and North East Wales Institute (NEWI).

Craig Dicks from Colwyn Bay gave up a 15 year career as a welder to return to education. He has just qualified with a Foundation Degree in Computing and has secured a position in the Fraud Department of the Bank of America. Craig became disillusioned in his original job, so enrolled at Coleg Llandrillo Cymru to increase his prospects of a more fulfilling career. Craig said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at College and would like to thank my Tutors and fellow students for their support.”

Ann Davies from Rhyl was a Nursery Nurse for many years, but realised that teaching children in a school environment was her vocation in life. She has qualified with a first class honours degree (BSc in Early Childhood Studies) and now aims to achieve her goal of becoming a primary school teacher. Ann said: “I came to College to improve my prospects. It was hard work, as I fell pregnant during the course and I still had a full-time job. But today has made it all worthwhile.”

Four employees of a local construction firm were all present at the ceremony, receiving their HNCs in Construction and Civil Engineering. Tammy Craven from Conwy, David Atkinson from Abergele, Lee Ellis from Rhyl and Gethin Williams from Holyhead all work for Watkin Jones. Their Tutor David Roberts said: “This is another instance of the collaborative partnerships that the College has with local industry. We congratulate the students, as they had to juggle their studies with full-time jobs.”

For more information on Higher Education courses at Coleg Llandrillo Cymru, contact the Advice and Guidance team on 01492 542 338/9.