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Epsom Downs Racecourse turned on a beautiful blue-skied day for Nescot’s 2017 Higher Education Awards Ceremony on Friday. 160 students collected their certificates on the day including Osteopathy students from the International College of Osteopathic Medicine in Milan, Italy, who graduated alongside their fellow osteopathy students from Nescot.

Awards ranging from HNCs, HNDs, diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees were conferred in subjects as diverse as education, computing, science, teacher training and music production. A further 130 certificates were posted to graduates unable to attend, most due to work commitments since completing their courses.

In attendance to confer degrees validated by their respective universities were Dr Gordon Ade-Ojo, Principal Lecturer at the University of Greenwich; Professor Michael Sutcliffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Kingston University; and Professor Jane Powell, Vice-Provost at the University of Surrey.

The special guest of honour, The Lord Oates, congratulated graduates on their “immense achievements” and shared with them three pieces of advice as they embark on the next stage of their lives:

  1. look after, believe in, be proud and kind to yourselves, and spend your life being the person you want to be.
  2. approach life with strength and humility, and learn from your failures.
  3. make life an adventure and don’t miss out on the opportunities life offers.

The student vote-of-thanks was given by Cameron Muir who graduated with an HND in Performing Arts. Cameron spoke of the collegial spirit and supportive nature of Nescot students which aids in everyone’s success.

Nescot Principal Cliff Hall explained “It is always one of the best days in the college calendar and this year’s graduation was no exception. The large hall at Epsom Downs was packed with proud parents and family members applauding the graduates and enjoying the celebrations which followed. I thank everyone involved in making graduation 2017 a day to remember.”

For the first time the ceremony was streamed live online and is available to view on the College’s YouTube channel.