Print this pageExcellence at The UCY
MORE STUDENTS THAN EVER GRADUATE FROM UCY
The University Centre Yeovil has celebrated its most successful year ever as more than 350 students graduated from a range of university-level courses provided by the Centre, an increase of more than 50 on last year. So many students graduated this year that two ceremonies had to take place on Friday 24th October rather than just the traditional one. More than 1000 students, staff, dignitaries and guests attended the event at the Octagon Theatre.
10 UCY students achieved the highest accolade of First Class Honours degrees in subjects including BA (Hons) English with History, BSc Hons Sustainable Graphics and Packaging and BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Branch). All of these courses are validated by Bournemouth University.
In all, students graduated in 49 different qualifications, including full Honours degrees, Foundation degrees, Higher Education and Professional Certificates and Diplomas in a wide range of subjects including Nursing, Computer Aided Design, Sustainable Graphics and Packaging, Sports Development and Coaching, Early Years, Education Support, Contemporary Theatre Practice, Contemporary Fine Art, Business and Management, Project Management, Teaching, Accounting, Marketing and more.
A number of awards were also handed out to this year's outstanding students, including a first for UCY. The Bournemouth University Partner Institution Outstanding Student Award was presented for the first time this year. Awarded to the best final first year student on a Bournemouth University programme and was won by April Cusons, graduate of the BA (Hons) History with English course at the UCY. The UCY's own Outstanding Achievement award was presented to two students in recognition of their exceptional achievement despite challenging circumstances. They were Peter Nailor, who studied FdA Health and Social Care, and Michael Gilham, graduate of the FdA in Project Management. The Ted Wragg Award for Outstanding Trainees went to Claire Theobald, who completed her PGCE teaching degree this year.
The annual Harry Livingstone Award for Management Excellence was presented to Richard Pearce, who completed an EDEXCEL Professional Certificate in Management Studies. The award recognises outstanding achievement by a Business and Management student and is presented in memory of Harry Livingstone by the Yeovil and District Branch of the Chartered Management Institute.
A pleasantly surprised Mr Pearce said "I'd been away from education for a long time and was initially full of trepidation about going back to it at this stage. I chose UCY because the course flexibility fitted in with my work and my learning style. The quality of the course and the lecturing meant that I could capitalise on my ability and compound the business knowledge I've gained during my career. I'm particularly delighted because this is the second time I've stood on this grass this year – once as a graduate and once as a bridegroom!"
The 2008 Honorary Fellowship was given to Professor Bryan Brown. A Higher Education professional for 35 years, Professor Brown retired in 2006 following a distinguished career in the sector.
Professor Brown said "I'm very pleased to be invited to be a fellow and re-establish contact with Yeovil College. I originally came here 20 years ago to look at Higher Education delivery in a Further Education setting as a way of enhancing local opportunities for those unable to leave the area to study on a full time basis. 10 years later, we began looking at a new and innovative structure which developed into the UCY. Back then, the aim was to support 1000 students – the UCY has already exceeded this target. It's very gratifying to see the project come to fruition and great to be involved."
Special guests attending to celebrate the students' success included the Chairman of South Somerset District Council Cllr Ian Martin, , the Mayor and Escort Cllr Wes Read and Mrs Trudie Read, Cllr A Horsfall, who represented the Leader Somerset County Council, and previous UCY fellow David Laws, MP for Yeovil. Mr Laws said "Education is one of my great passions and I believe that it is hugely important and liberating for people of all ages. I am delighted by the way Yeovil College has expanded in terms of its 16+, HE and Vocational provision."
Conferring officers from the UCY's partner universities, current UCY fellows, the Yeovil College Principal James Hampton and senior College management representatives and academic teaching staff also played key roles on the day.
James Hampton, Principal of Yeovil College, said "I've talked in the past about how UCY is developing a tradition of celebrating high quality university education in South Somerset and North and West Dorset. Looking at the number of graduates here today, I no longer think we are developing a tradition, I think that we have firmly established it. We have seen an outstanding array of talented students here today and I believe they will go on to make a real contribution to our society, culture and economy."
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Photographs show:
Photo 1 – UCY graduates celebrate their achievements.
Photo 2 – Dignitaries and special guests at the UCY graduation ceremony, including this year's fellow, Professor Bryan Brown (far left), the 2007 Fellowship recipient, David Laws MP (third from left), Dr Brian Astin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, Yeovil College Principal James Hampton and Cllr Wes Read, Mayor of Yeovil (centre).
Photo 3 - Richard Pearce, recipient of the Harry Livingstone award.
Photo 4 – Professor Bryan Brown, recipient of this year's fellowship, with Yeovil College Corporation chair Linda Jones.
The UCY is a partnership between Yeovil College, Bournemouth University and the University of Exeter to provide inspirational learning opportunities within the heart of Somerset. The UCY with its own high quality campus and building is located just off Preston road in Yeovil. Last year, a further 1 million pound investment extended the facilities for students such as the open IT access area, café and teaching spaces. The building contains 17 teaching rooms, a 100 seat lecture theatre, Apple Mac design suite and 3 state of the art PC suites. UCY students are also able to use the study and sports facilities at Yeovil College. Our aim is to provide people with the chance to fulfil their full potential and gain a work related university qualification. Most of our courses allow students to retain significant levels of employment and promote a flexible approach to allow part time as well as full time study. In 2008, the UCY reached its target of recording over 1000 students working towards a variety of degree level programmes.
Bournemouth University Partner Institution Outstanding Student Award was awarded for the first time this year and is a Bournemouth University sponsored prize awarded to the best, final year student on a Bournemouth University programme.
University Centre Yeovil Outstanding Achievement Award is presented to a student who has achieved an exceptional performance taking into account all factors including academic excellence and personal circumstances.
The Harry Livingstone Award for Management Excellence is an annual award which recognises outstanding achievement by a Business and Management student, who has clearly demonstrated excellence within their studies. It is presented by the Yeovil & District Branch of the Chartered Management Institute - the Country's Leading Body for Professional Management, in association with the Department of Business & Professional Studies. It is appropriately dedicated to the memory of Harry Livingstone LLB MA (07.01.23 - 24.12.02), a professional manager who gave outstanding service to his country, family, community and friends. His career saw service in the Royal Navy and subsequently a very successful period in the Colonial Legal Service, where his roles included that of District Judge and Crown Counsel, before he `retired' to take up the post of National Secretary of Youth Hostel Association. Locally he is fondly remembered as a long term stalwart of the Institute, who in addition to his many other roles, was also an extremely supportive member of the local Branch Team, remembered in particular for his service over many years as Branch Honorary Secretary. He remained a very active member up until his death at the age of 79.
The Ted Wragg Award for Outstanding Trainees is in honour of Professor Ted Wragg, a nationally recognised advocate of the teaching profession and a man who inspired a great many of today's best teachers and teaching practices. These awards have been developed to recognise, encourage and financially reward the best PGCE students; those who demonstrate good subject knowledge, excellent communication and people skills. Excellent trainees are creative, able to think on their feet, confident and infuse enthusiasm both in the classroom and in their fellow trainees.
