Higher Education graduates from Bath College celebrated their success at their Graduation Ceremony last week. The students dressed in mortar boards and gowns gathered at The Assembly Rooms to collect their certificates.
The students have all completed degree level and higher education courses, including programmes validated by the University of Bath and The University of Gloucestershire, amongst others.
The ceremony opened with an impressive Civic Procession made up of the Senior Management Team of the College, Heads of Departments, academic staff, Governors, and The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Rob Appleyard, led by the City Sword-Bearer and two Mace-Bearers.
Once everyone was seated, guests were welcomed by Jayne Davis, Principal and Chief Executive of Bath College, and certificates were handed out to graduates from Professor Andy Salmon, the Chair of Governors at Bath College and Pro-Vice Chancellor at Bath Spa University.
Keynote speaker, Joe McGrath, CEO of Rhotic Media and Bath College alumnus, inspired the crowds with his words. “Remember that being a Bath College graduate gives you a highly transferable set of skills, relevant to the world of work. You leave here with a set of soft skills which will make your career journey all the smoother.
“Bath College embraces a catchment area that welcomes a hugely broad mix of people from all walks of life. You may not appreciate it yet, but that is a major advantage. Having the ability to be a social chameleon is a gift. Bath College gives you this gift. Embrace it.”
He continued, “Use these social skills. Work hard to develop your network. In the era of digital communications, it can be very tempting for business to become very transactional. But your contact network will become your catalyst. Your engine of growth. You are about to embark on an incredible professional journey. For many of you, it will take you beyond your wildest dreams.”
After the ceremony, the graduates gathered outside the Assembly Rooms and threw their hats in the air to the cheers of guests and passers-by.
A drinks and canapé reception was held at the college’s student-led restaurant, The Willow Tree, where the graduates and their families continued their celebration.
Jayne Davis, Principal and Chief Executive of Bath College, said, “We’re incredibly proud of our graduates. It has been a tough few years and our students have shown great resilience. I’m always proud to be Principal, but days like today are truly special.”
If you’d like to know more about the Bath College Higher Education courses, visit bathcollege.ac.uk/degree-level