Wigan & Leigh hosted its first graduation in the newly launched University Centre on Saturday 14th October 2017. Students studying on degree level courses celebrated their achievements at the prestigious event which coincides with 70 years of delivering higher education courses.
The College’s annual Higher Education graduation ceremony is a highly anticipated annual event. This year students were welcomed who had successfully achieved a degree level qualification in 2017.
The ceremony, which was hosted at All Saints’ Parish Church, Wigan, saw the graduates, as well as their friends and family gather to celebrate their academic achievements.
The celebrations began at the College’s multi-million-pound Parsons Walk Centre with a procession to the Church. Staff, Governors and graduands travelled through Wigan Town Centre in the company of The Royal Artillery Fusiliers from a local Lancashire regiment.
Students studied a wide range of professional, Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas, Foundation Degrees and Top-up Degrees received their awards from Dr Janet Thompson Head of Higher Education.
Honorary guest and keynote speaker at the ceremony was Jo Platt MP for Leigh.
Jo’s political career began with her being elected as councillor for Astley & Mosley common in 2012. She quickly rose to the level of cabinet where she took responsibility for Children and Young People and Education in 2014 adding skills and employment to her portfolio early in 2016. She was selected to stand as the Labour candidate for Leigh in the General Election and was elected in June 2017 with a convincing majority.
Anna Dawe, Principal at Wigan & Leigh College said, “The College has a strong history of providing high quality Higher Education qualifications and is delighted to build on this history year on year.
The Graduation ceremony is a celebration event, not just for graduates, but also for friends and family. The support graduates receive from family and friends throughout their studies is invaluable
The University Centre Wigan & Leigh College is very proud of all our students and I’d like to congratulate each and every one who has graduated and wish them every success in the future."