Newcastle College University Centre celebrated the achievements of hundreds of students this month, as the Class of 2024 graduated alongside family and friends.
Over two days, more than 800 students walked the stage at Newcastle Civic Centre, graduating with degrees in areas including Art and Design, Aviation, Sport and Teaching.
Personal stories of success were shared with guests, including that of Hospitality ‘Student of the Year’ Angela Newsham, who graduated from her part-time Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts.
Angela was described as an outstanding student who worked continuously hard and went out of her way to help others. Angela overcame a number of difficult personal battles to graduate, winning a gold medal at a skills competition and securing employment within the college along with way.
Games Technologies graduate Leah Francis was commended for her work designing projects to support students with additional needs. As a parent of children with additional needs, Leah used her own experience, and worked closely with relevant colleagues and students to help design inclusive and interactive training resources.
Student speaker and Sports Rehabilitation graduate Tony Dunn addressed the crowd in the closing ceremony, saying: “This experience has taught me more than ever about the importance of resilience and the power of collective support. It has reinforced my belief that true leadership is not only about guiding others but also about finding the courage to continue, even in the face of adversity.”
Engineering graduate Mohammed Kazmi also reflected on his time at the University Centre, and said: “Today, as we celebrate our graduation, I want to remind everyone that failure is not a barrier but a powerful motivator. It teaches us resilience, shapes our character, and fuels our ambition. If I could rise from my lowest point to achieve this milestone today, so can any of you, no matter what challenges you face.”
Hosting the graduation ceremonies was Jon Ridley, Deputy Principal of Newcastle College and Executive Lead for higher education across NCG. Each ceremony also welcomed a guest speaker from industry, including Maldron Hotel’s General Manager Anna Wadcock and Global Executive Sales and Commercial Director of Baker Hughes, Danny Wright.
The graduations mark the end of another celebratory year for Newcastle College University Centre, which achieved TEF Silver in December and recently opened its brand new Turnbull Suite for students.