An East Kilbride college celebrated success with the first in-person graduation ceremonies since the COVID pandemic struck.
The South Lanarkshire College (SLC) board of management, including the Principal and all college staff, were delighted to celebrate with the 'Class of 2021’.
Two ceremonies, which were delivered across two days last weekend, saw students from an array of Higher National subject areas join together in a heated marquee on campus to celebrate their success.
The event was attended by 190 students across both days and students were treated to presentations from guest speakers Dr Julie McElroy, Marvin Bartley and Dr Lou Mycroft.
Dr Julie McElroy is an inspirational and prolific disability rights advocate and has an impressive track record with many awards to her name while Marvin Bartley is a professional footballer and is currently player/ assistant manager for Scottish Premiership club Livingston FC.
Marvin is also an equality and diversity advisor to the Scottish FA and football pundit on the BBC and on BT Sport.
And Dr Lou Mycroft is a writer and educationalist specialising in adult community education and public health social enterprise. She is co-founder of the #JoyFE movement.
John Bringan was crowned 'construction management graduate and construction student of the year'.
Speaking to Lanarkshire Live, he said: "The guest speakers were truly inspiring and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with my classmates to celebrate all of our achievements over the past year.
"We have worked exceptionally hard during a tumultuous and difficult year and it’s great to finally be reaping the rewards.
"We have had a fantastic day and wish to thank South Lanarkshire College staff for providing us with such a joyous event."
John from Hamilton, who completed his HNC qualification in June of this year, added: “I have recently been promoted to assistant manager within the construction section of the company I work for, WH Malcolm.
"That proves that all the studying, sweat and toil over the past two years of my qualification have been worth it."
SLC chairman, Andy Kerr, said: "It’s fantastic to hear the stories of success and ambition of John and his fellow students.
"It’s an absolute privilege to congratulate each our very talented Higher National students.
"The graduation ceremony is a highlight in the calendar for our college and is a chance for our students and their loved ones to celebrate their dedication and hard work."
Principal and CEO, Aileen McKechnie, told us : “All of our students have worked incredibly hard throughout a very challenging year to complete their courses and progress to further study, training or employment.
"Graduation is a celebration of accomplishment and of transition of our student journey and I am delighted that we have been able to celebrate all student achievements in person.
"We have a had a wonderful couple of days at our graduation ceremonies, and we wish each and every one of our students, all the very best for their future endeavours."
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