Graduation ceremony marks HE success

Julie Kapsalis cuts a celebration cake!

Nescot celebrated student success at the annual Higher Education (HE) Awards ceremony last week at Epsom Downs Racecourse. 110 graduands along with 300 family members and friends came together to mark the culmination of their hard work.

HE Awards

Degrees, diplomas and professional awards were conferred in over 15 subjects ranging from teaching to osteopathy.

Colleagues from Nescot partners including University of Greenwich, Kingston University, Open University were on hand to assist Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO, with conferring the degrees.

Guests of honour

Our guests of honour included Cllr Robert Geleit, Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, a former HND student of Nescot and Brian Finch, Chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse who kindly brought along the amazing Derby trophy. Brian was our guest speaker and in his inspirational speech he congratulated the graduates on their achievement and spoke about key lessons from his career journey.

Annual awards

The following awards were presented by our guests of honour to students nominated for outstanding endeavours and achievements:

• The Olatunde Idowu Memorial Prize sponsored in memory of a former member of staff was awarded to Lauren Hardcastle Johnson for showing exceptional business awareness in her course.
• The Richard Maryan Prize sponsored by the college for Osteopathy in memory of a pioneering Osteopath was awarded to Vanessa Adams.
• The Dr John Osborn Memorial Cup and Prize sponsored by the college in memory of Dr Osborn who was integral to the establishment of HE at Nescot was awarded to Dianne Wootten.
• The Rotary Club of Epsom Raj Amodia Trophy and Prize sponsored by the Rotary was awarded to Yordan Ivanov.
• The Rotary Club of Ewell Cup and Prize sponsored by the Rotary to a pre-degree level HE student was awarded to Jack Unwin.
• The Principal’s Prize chosen from all nominated students this year by Julie was awarded to two students, Lewis Millward and Megan Pattison.

First Honorary Fellowship awards

Nescot Principal and CEO Julie Kapsalis, was proud to award the college’s first Honorary Fellowships at this year’s graduation ceremony. “2024 sees Nescot celebrate its 70^th anniversary, to recognise this incredible milestone and achievement, the college is introducing a new Honorary Fellowship award, the highest accolade the college can bestow. It recognises exceptional achievement and excellence by individuals associated with the college,” said Julie.

The first Honorary Fellowship was awarded to Dee Mathieson, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Elekta. Dee is a former student who has had an exceptional career in the science and medical sector. Sharing her journey, she said, “I am very grateful to Nescot for helping me on my way to what has been a fantastic and varied career in cancer care.”

The second Honorary Fellowship on the day was awarded to Nescot staff member, Daniel Addo from our Security Team. Presenting the award, Julie said, “With his kindness and positivity he is a wonderful role model and encourages students to make the most of their opportunities both in the college and life.”

The student vote of thanks was given by Craig Clout, who graduated with an Integrated Masters in Osteopathic Medicine. Craig spoke about the supportive and collaborative nature of the college community that contributes to everyone’s success.

University-level courses at Nescot

HE degrees and awards were conferred for the following subjects: osteopathy, animal management, sports therapy, counselling, early years, animal management, healthcare play specialist, food premises inspection, business, creative media (moving image), performing arts, computing, public services, sport and exercise science.

Nescot’s Higher Education provision has been rated as Silver in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The College is also rated Silver in the framework’s new categories of Student Experience and Student Outcomes. This status recognises our continuing commitment to high quality teaching and learning and support for our students. Find out more here

For more information on our university level courses visit our website.