Kilmarnock graduation for college students
HNC and HND graduates of Ayrshire College packed out the Grand Hall on Friday 25 October for the Kilmarnock Campus graduation.
170 successful students celebrated the completion of their courses in front of family, friends, lecturers and invited guests.
The graduates were presented with a special certificate to commemorate their college achievements.
There were further prizes given out to nine special students, as each curriculum area nominated one student to receive an award for being Student of the Year for the department. Prizes were also awarded for Making a Difference in the Community and Outstanding Achievement.
The 2019 Kilmarnock graduation prizewinners were:
- Student of the Year – Business, Administration and Accounts Award: Amanda Findlay.
- Student of the Year – Care Award: Stephanie Bevan.
- Student of the Year – Early Years Award: Sophie Campbell.
- Student of the Year – Engineering and Science Award: Agata Chmielewska.
- Student of the Year – Hair, Beauty, Make-up and Complementary Therapies Award: Sophie Parker.
- Student of the Year – Social Sciences Award: Sally McKie.
- Student of the Year – Sport and Fitness Award: Kerry Ann Sloan.
- Making a Difference in the Community Award: HND Coaching and Developing Sport (Group B).
- Outstanding Achievement Award: Michelle McCorriston.
Carol Turnbull, Ayrshire College Principal, announced at the ceremony that the overall Student of the Year for the Kilmarnock Campus was Kerry Ann Sloan, from Kilmarnock, who graduated with HND Coaching and Developing Sport.
Kerry Ann now studies Sports Coaching and Development at the University of the West of Scotland, and is a part-time community coach with Kilmarnock Football Club and coach of Shortlees Netball Club.
For the first time, Ayrshire College awarded honorary fellowships to two worthy recipients, former footballers Rose Reilly and Kris Boyd, for their contributions to the Ayrshire community.
Rose was voted the world’s best female footballer in 1983, and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Rose, from Stewarton, left home at 17 to follow her dream of becoming a professional footballer and is the only Scot to have won a World Cup winner’s medal, having played for Italy in the 1983 World Cup Final. She is an excellent role model for young women and continues to work to break down barriers for women wanting to get into sport.
Kris started (and finished) his senior career at Kilmarnock Football Club and is the top goalscorer in the history of the Scottish Premier League. More recently he has established the Kris Boyd Charity, set up to help people suffering with mental health issues. Kris works closely with Ayrshire College with their #PassingPositivity mental health awareness campaign, and through sports academics which were established this month through the #ConnectingCommunities initiative.
Carol said “Our graduation ceremonies are a highlight of the academic year and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our learners and to thank the staff, college partners, learners’ families and friends for all the support they provide. We wish all the students graduating the very best of luck for the future.”
25 October 2019
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