Celebrating a Thousand Bright Futures
UCOL’s Graduation Ceremonies will be held this week, to celebrate the achievements of nearly a thousand students who
completed their course of study at UCOL in Palmerston North last year.
Two ceremonies will be held at the Regent on Broadway on Tuesday 18 March and Wednesday 19 March at 1 pm.
The Humanities and Business ceremony, for graduates in business and administration, counseling, information systems and
computing, arts, photography and design, hospitality and catering, tourism and travel, and culture and community
programmes, will be held on 18 March.
The Health, Science and Technology ceremony, for nursing, medical imaging technology, vet nursing, health science, sport
and fitness and technology, trades and industry programmes, will be held on 19 March. Both ceremonies are expected to
last for about two hours.
UCOL Chief Executive Paul McElroy says he is looking forward to congratulating graduands on their achievements at the
ceremonies. “UCOL’s focus is on its students and success for our students is success for UCOL.
“Students work hard and make a great personal commitment to achieve their new UCOL qualifications. In return they can be
confident that those qualifications will be recognised and respected by their future employers, and that they are
equipped to contribute to the economic, cultural and social growth of New Zealand.
“Graduation is primarily a time for students to celebrate what they have achieved – and to look forward to what they can
do in the future. But it’s also a time for UCOL staff to celebrate their own success in helping our students to reach
their goals.
“At Graduation we also acknowledge the community groups and retailers who have embraced UCOL and our students. We are
proud to be a part of New Zealand’s leading Student City and welcome the support we receive for the UCOL community.”
At the conclusion of each ceremony graduates and members of the official academic party will form a procession from the
Regent via Broadway Avenue and Princess Street to a reception at the UCOL Atrium.
Mr McElroy says members of the community and retailers are encouraged to come out and cheer the students on during the
processions to recognise their hard work and their contribution to the Manawatu community and local economy.
Traditionally, UCOL graduation is a family affair. Refreshments at the receptions will be provided and presented by UCOL
Professional Cookery and Hospitality students. UCOL staff and students will perform waiatas at each ceremony and
entertainment will be provided by Amy Hunt, UCOL Musical Director, accompanied by graduating Certificate in Performing
Arts student Edan Hunt.
This year’s UCOL ceremonies are the first to include graduates of the new three year Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging
which equips graduates for careers in graphic design, photojournalism, web design, animation, publication design,
television direction, packaging design, architecture and photography. The School of Photography, Art and Design is
hosting a cocktail party on Tuesday evening to congratulate the first BAVI graduates.
This year’s guest speakers are Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew (AJ) Becroft and the Honorable Steve Maharey, former
Minister of Education and incoming Massey University Vice-Chancellor.
UCOL Events Coordinator Shirley Wall says most of those students who are eligible to graduate are already in employment,
around New Zealand and overseas and not all are able to take part in the graduation ceremonies. “However this year we
have a strong turnout, especially for Wednesday’s Health, Science and Technology ceremony when nearly 350 students will
cross the stage to graduate.”
UCOL will also hold graduation ceremonies in Wairarapa and Wanganui next month.
ENDS