222 graduate from Whanganui UCOL

222 graduate from Whanganui UCOL

Whanganui UCOL holds its annual graduation ceremony this week, celebrating the achievements of more than 220 students eligible to graduate with degrees, diplomas and certificates.

The graduation ceremony will be held at the Royal Wanganui Opera House on Thursday 1 April at 1 pm. This year’s graduation speaker is Penaia (PJ) Faumui, Ear Nose & Throat Specialist at the Wanganui Hospital, an elected board member of the Whanganui District Health Board and the Chairperson of Whanganui Pasifika Health Trust.

The graduands who will be capped on Thursday have completed qualifications in study areas including Business, Catering and Hospitality, Hairdressing, Mental Health, Sport and Exercise, Health Science and Technology, Nursing, Te Reo, Fashion, Glass and Fine Arts.

The biggest contingent is of 30 eligible to graduate with the National Certificate in Mental Health. A further 20 are eligible to graduate Bachelor of Nursing. A large group (20 eligible) are the first to graduate with the new Pokaitahi Nga Muka O Te Reo (Certificate in Whanganui Reo – Oral).

A total of 35 have earned qualifications in Glass Design and Fine Arts, and 19 in Fashion.

Thirty students achieved qualifications in Hospitality and Culinary Arts, and 10 in Hairdressing.

There are 31 new graduates in Exercise and Sport Performance and Health, Science and Technology, and a total of 50 with new qualifications in Business and Computing related subjects.

The number eligible to graduate after studying at Whanganui UCOL during 2009 is up by more than 40 on the previous year’s number. UCOL’s Chief Executive, Paul McElroy, says that reflects an increasing focus on successful study that leads to employment, in difficult economic times.

“Last year, and again this year, we are finding students are determined to do well in their programme of choice, so they can make a confident entry to the job market. Graduation is an important moment for these students: It represents their means to a successful future, with a rounded education, a qualification and excellent employment prospects. “

Whanganui UCOL Principal Julia Pedley says graduation is an important time to acknowledge the community groups and retailers who supported Whanganui UCOL, its staff and students during another successful year. “It’s also a time for UCOL staff to celebrate and take pride in their own success in helping our students to reach their goals,” she says.

After the ceremony, graduates, their families and members of the official Whanganui UCOL party will form a procession from the Royal Wanganui Opera House to the Atrium at the Matapihi ki te Ao campus in Rutland Street.

ENDS

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