276 graduate from Whanganui UCOL

276 graduate from Whanganui UCOL

Whanganui UCOL holds its annual graduation ceremony this week, celebrating the achievements of 276 students eligible to graduate with degrees, diplomas and certificates.

The graduation ceremony will be held at the Royal Wanganui Opera House on Thursday 7 April at 1 pm.

Principal Julia Pedley says the total eligible to graduate represents 276 success stories: “People who have had the opportunity to learn and grow and who have achieved their study goals.”

She says for students, graduation represents great personal commitment, hard work and achievement, and, sometimes, some financial hardship. “It’s a big commitment but the rewards are great. In a tight economy these graduates can enter the workforce with a vocational education that gives them the opportunity to contribute to the economy and make a success of their lives.”

Julia says as well as celebrating student achievement, UCOL graduation ceremonies also acknowledge the contribution of friends and families and of UCOL academic and support staff. “It’s also a time to say thank you to the Whanganui community groups, business and sector groups, and retailers who support us and have contributed to the success of our students.”

The ceremony on Thursday will include the announcement of the Whanganui recipient of the inaugural UCOL Council Honours, recognising people who have made a particularly outstanding contribution, to UCOL and to the wider community.

The graduands who will be capped on Thursday have completed qualifications in study areas including Business and Computing, Catering and Hospitality, Hairdressing, Beauty, Mental Health, Sport and Exercise, Health Science and Technology, Nursing, Te Reo, Fashion, Glass and Fine Arts.

The biggest contingent is 59 Catering and Hospitality students, including 13 students from China who completed Certificates in Professional Cookery at Whanganui UCOL this year.

Twenty six students will graduate Bachelor of Nursing, 22 with Certificate in Beauty Services, 12 with Bachelor of Fine Arts, and 8 Bachelor of Fashion and a further 11 Certificate in Fashion. A group of 18 will graduate with the Certificate in Mental Health (Mental Health Support Work), 33 with qualifications in Business, Computing and Business Administration, and 13 with Pokaitahi Nga Muka O Te Reo (Certificate in Whanganui Reo – Oral).

This year’s guest speaker is Joanne Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of Nga Tai O Te Awa. Joanne is of Ngati Porou, Ati Haunui A Paparangi and Rangitane ki Wairarapa descent. She has worked in the health sector for more than 12 years, including eight years working for the Whanganui District Health Board as Director of Maori Health, then for Taumata Hauora Trust and Nga Tai O Te Awa as the Chief Executive Officer. Joanne also manages Te Puna Matauranga O Whanganui Iwi Authority.

After the ceremony, graduates, their families and members of the official Whanganui UCOL party will form a procession from the Royal Wanganui Opera House to the Atrium at the Matapihi ki te Ao campus in Rutland Street.

ENDS

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