South Hampshire College Group, comprised of Eastleigh College, Fareham College and Southampton College, has marked its inaugural Higher Education Graduation ceremony. Over 50 students came together to celebrate the completion of their university-level studies and their new status as graduates.
The glamorous ceremony saw students gather at Fareham College’s theatre, following canapés and a light drinks reception created and served by some of Fareham College’s Hospitality students. Anoushka Ottley, Executive Director of Business and Apprenticeships at South Hampshire College Group, led the ceremony, in which each student’s presentation was preceded by a personal citation written by their lecturer. A photographer then captured group photographs and individual portraits upon the ceremony’s conclusion.
Anoushka Ottley commented: “We are beyond proud to celebrate our first incredible class of 2024 as they step into the world as graduates. This is a particularly special moment as we mark our first graduation ceremony as South Hampshire College Group. These students’ accomplishments are a testament to their talent and perseverance and also to the unwavering support of our incredible faculty and lecturers, whose guidance and passion helped shape their journeys.”
Emily Jenkins graduated from Fareham College with a BA (Hons) in Early Years, with 17 of her friends and family earnestly watching as she walked across the stage to collect her certificate. Emily commented: “My course was really good; it had a wide variety of learning opportunities. It was only one day a week in college which gave me the opportunity to work part-time and study independently at home. I’ve now moved to Durham where I’m doing additional training to become a qualified teacher.”
Thomas O’Dell graduated with a HNC in Photography from Southampton College. Thomas sais: “Photography was a hobby, but people told me I was good. When I decided to pursue it professionally, I decided to go through Southampton College because the course was hands-on and career focused. The lecturers were brilliant and helped me to pass with a distinction. I now plan to start working as a professional photographer.”
South Hampshire College Group’s higher education programmes are designed to support progression from a Level 3, Access or T Level course to a complete undergraduate qualification, with the benefits of lower course fees and smaller classes compared to traditional university programmes. This opens up doors for the College Group’s alumni to go on to pursue Master’s degrees or PhDs, or to excel in the workplace.
