Student success celebrated at University Centre Bishop Burton Graduation Ceremony

Friends, family and special guests gathered to witness 134 students graduate in a range of subject areas including Animal Sciences, Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, Sport and Exercise Science, Criminology, Equine, Floristry and Teacher Training.

Following a warm welcome from Staff Governor Sharon Kirby and the Principal’s report, from Principal and Chief Executive, Bill Meredith, graduands were conferred with their degrees by special guests Deborah Robinson, Interim Dean for the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Lynne Senior, School Consortium Director, University of Huddersfield, Dr Leonidas Remplos, Link Tutor and Lecturer, University of Lincoln and Dan Shaffer, Director of Academic and Student Services & Academic Registrar, Royal Agricultural University. Several special awards and prizes were also presented including those for Best Student.

The Principal’s report praised the hard work and determination of the students, acknowledging UCBB’s strong industry partnerships, that have supported, developed and helped them on their academic journeys. Special mention was also made of several inspiring success stories from students across both of UCBB’s two campuses at Bishop Burton College near Beverley and Riseholme College near Lincoln.

These included BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare graduand Paige Braithwaite, who has worked as a rescue shelter manager for cats in Greece and FdSc Agriculture student Jack Waters, who won the Hutchison Agronomy Day competition. BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise Science and Health graduand Peter Hudson-Kowalewicz, represented Poland at Full International Level during the Rugby European Championship, scoring a try against Romania. Peter, who is now working with the next generation of rugby players as a coach, alongside playing semi-professionally for Hull RFUC said “It’s been a very exciting day, catching up with friends and celebrating our achievements.” 

Graduands also received an inspiring Graduate Address from Deborah Robinson; who used her own personal experiences to inspire and motivate students to be resilient and adaptable in their approach to life and their careers; using their education as a launch pad to have courage and conviction in their own abilities and aspirations.

Reflecting on the importance and significance of Graduation to students and the University Centre, Head of Faculty Higher Education, Melanie Watson said “Graduation is an incredible day. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the students and the start of what I am confident will be hugely successful futures for them all. All the graduates should be incredibly proud of themselves.”

BSc (Hons) Agricultural Resource Management student, Emily Boby, who graduated with First Class Honours, gave a heartfelt Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Student Association; thanking family, friends and the UCBB faculty for their support, encouragement and guidance.

Emily, who was the recipient of the Royal Agricultural Society of England student award earlier in the year, said “Congratulations to the class of 2023. The experiences and opportunities we have been given are truly unique, giving us the tools needed to become amongst the most employable graduates in the country. We have a world of opportunities within our grasp. If we tackle them with passion and commitment, I am positive we will all go far.”

UCBB runs a wide range of degree programmes in many different subject areas. Discover our subjects.