UCMK Students Graduate

08/11/2011

PROUD students from University Centre Milton Keynes took part in the centre's inaugural graduation ceremony in the heart of the city.

Dressed in graduation gowns and mortar boards, the graduates received their awards in an official ceremony at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone.

It was the first time UCMK - which was established to provide affordable full-time degrees for people in Milton Keynes - has held the ceremony away from its awarding institution The University of Bedfordshire.

It was also the first time the centre has had graduates from the new Foundation Degree Journalism course, which was launched two years ago to train students for jobs in the local media.

Kate Stephens, Director of Operations at UCMK, attended the event and was thrilled to be part of the students' big day.

She said: "Today is the first day our students have graduated here in Milton Keynes.

"It was a fantastic feeling watching the students going onto that stage, looking so proud, ready to take up the next phase of life - it was a great moment."

After the ceremony the students celebrated their success with a graduation tea back at UCMK.

Miia Godwin, 38, who graduated with distinction in Foundation Degree Digital Imaging and Design for Media, spoke of the new opportunities this award opens up to her.

"I feel a fantastic sense of achievement today," she said.

"Doing this degree has updated my knowledge and skills and opens a new door for me into the employment sector."

Graduating with a Foundation Degree in Journalism, Gemma Voakes- Pearson, 24, viewed her time at UCMK as part of an educational journey.

She said: "Today means a lot to me. I'm very happy because it's a visual display of all the hard work I have put in.

"Before today I had already completed a two-year Higher National Diploma in Media at Milton Keynes College and now I'm topping up my degree by doing the final year of the BA (Hons) Journalism course at the University of Bedfordshire in Luton."

The graduation ceremony, attended by dignitaries and staff from the University of Bedfordshire and UCMK, also awarded an Honorary Master of Arts to former Principle of Milton Keynes College, Rob Badcock.

Mr Badcock received the award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education in the East of England.

Addressing the congregation he spoke of what the award meant to him.

"I'm absolutely delighted and thrilled to receive this award today," he said.

"Having been a public servant for over 35 years it means so much to me and my family."

O If you are interested in studying for a foundation degree at UCMK log onto www.ucmk.ac.uk or apply via UCAS.

by MARY BISWELL 

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