Denis Lane, 83, thought to be the oldest graduate from Bishop Burton in its 60-year history, was just one of the many students that graduated at Beverley Minster on Saturday.
More than 500 people filled the Minster to watch the conferment of degrees on nearly 70 part-time Bishop Burton students.
The event began with an academic procession and a speech from College Principal and Chief Executive, Jeanette Dawson OBE. She said;
“I would like to offer congratulations to all here – graduating today is a fine achievement and one you, and those family members that have supported you, have all worked extremely hard for. We wish you well for the future and will look fondly on as your journey continues.”
Each graduand was presented with a scroll by the representatives from the College’s partner universities. Those eligible for University of Hull degrees were congratulated by Professor Ian Pashby, Pro Vice Chancellor, whilst the Royal Agricultural University conferees met Professor David Hopkins, Dean of School of Agriculture, Food & Environment.
Of those graduating was Denis Lane, an 83-year old retired veterinary surgeon and highly respected veterinary author. Thought to be the oldest graduate ever from the College, Denis’ passion for lifelong learning culminated in him being awarded a Masters Degree of Science in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training at the ceremony.
Among the 66 graduates were staff members Emma Asquith and Danny Wilson. Emma, a sports staff member at the College, was awarded her City and Guilds award for Teaching in the Life Long Learning Sector. Danny Wilson, the College’s Hull FC Academy Manager graduated with a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).
Michelle Fraser, Assistant Principal for Higher Education added;
“Today has been a cause for celebration. Not only have these students graduated, but many have also found promising careers already. More than 95% of our students go on to employment or further study within six months of graduating, so I’m particularly pleased to see that those graduating today are continuing that tradition.”
Two students already in employment are William Green and Matthew Stovin. The two friends, graduating with honours from the BSc Agricultural Resource Management degree, couldn’t be at the ceremony on Saturday as they are now based in New Zealand, running successful lambing programmes on farms in the Southern Hemisphere.
Similarly, their peer, Edward Stormes has already found employment on an arable farm in Doncaster. Edward started with the College six years ago on a level three course and over the years, has worked hard to secure his honours degree in Agriculture Resource Management.
Closing the ceremony, the Principal summarised;
“It is clear to see from the number of supporters at the ceremony that many of this year’s graduates could not have got this far without friends and family, work colleagues and employers, tutors and mentors, playing their part. On behalf of those graduating from the College, I thank you for the support and encouragement you provided.”
In total more than 250 degree students and almost 1,000 further education students have graduated from Bishop Burton College this year. As shown by Mr. Lane, it’s never too late to gain qualifications.
For more information on the range of vocational courses available at Bishop Burton, visit www.bishopburton.ac.uk./courses.
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