Boston College proudly hosted its third Higher Education Graduation Ceremony on Thursday 19th September at the iconic St Botolph’s Church in Boston, marking a significant moment in the College’s ongoing legacy of academic excellence.
The event celebrated the success of 107 Higher Education students, with over 65 graduates in attendance, each receiving their Certificates of Achievement amidst cheers from peers, family, friends, and lecturers.
As an academic partner of the University of Derby, Boston College offers an impressive array of high-quality courses up to Degree and PGCE level, ensuring students can achieve the qualifications they need, locally, to pursue their ambitions.
The qualifications awarded reflected the diversity of the academic offerings at the College, including Higher National Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, Degrees, and Postgraduate Certificates across various fields such as Education Studies, Business Management, Creative Arts, Sport, Fitness and Wellbeing, Children and Young People, and Engineering.
The Ceremony began with a proud procession from the College’s Sam Newsom Centre, led by Deputy Principal, Matthew Smith, and Assistant Principal, Tom Hughes, creating an atmosphere of celebration within the town centre.
Principal and CEO, Claire Foster, officially opened the Ceremony with a warm welcome, underscoring the importance of the day and expressing deep pride in the graduates, stating, “Whether you go on to be scientists, artists, engineers, educators, or entrepreneurs, your educational experiences will ready you to take on whatever future roles come your way – perhaps in careers that may not yet even been invented. As a lifelong learner, education is a resource you can draw upon in countless ways. So, dear graduates of Boston College, as you step out of these doors, I encourage you to carry the spirit of today with you; to be tough, to continue to feed your minds and hearts, to remain versatile, creating a better future for yourself and the world around you.”
David Parnell, Boston College Governor, captivated the audience with an electrifying speech about life and careers after graduation. His words ignited a spark of inspiration, urging graduates to embrace the adventures that lie ahead.
Among the graduates was Shauna-Lea Dawson, who shared her incredible story of completing three qualifications at Boston College. After earning her Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, a Bachelor of Arts in Education, and now her Postgraduate Certificate in Education, she reflected on her journey, saying, “I am starting my Master’s degree in 11 days, with the aspiration of one day being able to inspire and educate a cohort of graduates just like us. We have the power to shape our destinies, to write our own stories and create a future that reflects the best versions of ourselves. For that opportunity, it is so important that I thank the staff here at Boston College for allowing us to thrive in a safe and welcoming environment and proving to us that nothing is impossible with the right support and guidance.”
The Ceremony was further enhanced by a captivating vocal performance from Alumni Music Student, Kenya Allen-Burgess. Each graduate then took the stage to receive their certificates from distinguished guests, including Tola Adesina, Associate Provost – Global Engagement at the University of Derby, and Claire Foster.
After the formal proceedings, graduates and their families gathered in the scenic surroundings of St Botolph’s Church to celebrate their achievements. The atmosphere was enriched by an acoustic set from Level 3 Music Student, Joaquin Guzman, while guests enjoyed canapés prepared by Boston College’s Catering and Hospitality Department and complimentary mocktails from Sipwells.
