Virtual graduation for Ayrshire College
Ayrshire College held special virtual graduation ceremonies for its Class of 2021 on Friday 8 October.
The graduates watched a pre-recorded message of congratulations from Ayrshire College’s Principal Carol Turnbull, Chairman Willie Mackie, and Ayrshire College’s Student Association Student President Ellie Jamieson.
Graduates then got together in their class groups for one last time to reminisce about the past year and celebrate their achievements, alongside lecturing staff and curriculum managers.
Private online ceremonies were held for students from the following curriculum areas:
- Business, Computing, Travel and Tourism and Events
- Care
- Construction Technology and Trades
- Creative
- Early Years
- Engineering and Science
- Hair, Beauty, Complementary Therapies and Make-Up Artistry
- Hospitality
- Social Sciences
- Sports and Fitness
Carol Turnbull, Principal of Ayrshire College, said during her speech to the students: “Your talent, commitment and determination to succeed, combined with the new skills and knowledge you have gained during your time at college are vital to the future prosperity and growth of Ayrshire, Scotland and beyond.
“You are the future of our economic prosperity both in Ayrshire and beyond and, although it may seem a hugely challenging environment at present, please remember what you have to offer. It is enormous and will be vital to our recovery. We have some amazing, talented students at Ayrshire College, and this has been reflected in the many competitions and awards won during the year and this is what we are here to celebrate today.”
Each curriculum area nominated one student per campus to be named their Student of the Year, with other students selected to win Making a Difference in the Community and Outstanding Achievement awards.
Ayrshire College also presented the Fellowship Award to Professor Fiona McQueen OBE, who is an Ayrshire College board member and the former Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland.
The award is given to someone in recognition of their exceptional career and their special contribution and support to the students of Ayrshire College.
Presenting the award, Ayrshire College Chairman Willie Mackie said: “Fiona was Scotland’s Chief Nursing Officer for seven years and this Fellowship Award is a fitting tribute for all the work she has done to get Scotland through the pandemic as she represented all the nurses and midwives who were facing the greatest challenge of their lives.
“We have been inspired by her leadership, courage and resilience throughout the last year and also her unwavering support for the students at Ayrshire College through her role as our Vice Chair of the Board of Management.
“For her outstanding contribution to the communities of Ayrshire I am delighted to present our Fellowship Award to Fiona McQueen.”
Professor Fiona McQueen OBE said when accepting the award: “The opportunities that can be provided from being an Ayrshire College student can be truly life changing – both for students who move into college from school and for adults who are looking for a change in their career, or getting back into work after many years. That is why I am so incredibly proud to be part of the College and I offer you my warmest congratulations and best wishes on your success today – I suspect the first of many.”
18 October 2021
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