Graduation is just the beginning for Nottingham College university-level students

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 25 November 2019

More than 800 people attended Nottingham College’s Higher Education (HE) Graduation Ceremony on Monday 18 November at the atmospheric Royal Concert Hall.

They gathered together to celebrate the achievements and academic success of nearly 200 university-level course graduates.

Family, friends and College staff joined the graduating students for the ceremony. Special guests included the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Rosemary Healy; and the Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Kevin Rostance.

Among the graduates was 27-year-old Jade Carter. The BA (Hons) Art and Design (Fashion) graduate has cystinosis, a rare condition which affects only around 2000 people in the world. It leaves her feeling very poorly on a regular basis. Jade not only picked up a faculty award on the day, but was also named Graduate of the Year for Outstanding Achievement.

Speaking about her awards and graduation, Jade said:

“I feel quite overwhelmed, it doesn’t feel real. My tutors encouraged me to be myself and they were just amazing. They’ve allowed me to achieve everything I have.”

Despite having to deal with her health issues, including being on and off dialysis, Jade not only kept up with her work, but also used her creative talents to create accessible clothing for others going through similar experiences. While on her Foundation Degree in Fashion, Jade developed her own range of modern clothing aimed at young people going through dialysis.

A year later, she’s now completed her BA qualification and registered her own new business, We Are Able Ltd., with plans to develop a range of accessible loungewear next year. Jade said:

“I want my clothes to be suitable for everyone. I’m working with my partner Jay to develop my website and we’ve got an Instagram account which is weare_able.”

Jade and all her fellow graduates made their way out of the auditorium at the end of the ceremony to rapturous applause from the crowd.

Nottingham College Chief Executive, John van de Laarschot, said:

“Our graduation ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of our university-level students. They have put in huge amounts of hard work and dedication, and it’s a really momentous day for them, along with their Lecturers, friends and families who have supported them throughout.

“Watching the class of 2019 grow while they’ve been with us has been a privilege. Some are now continuing in education, and others are embarking on their careers with the skills and knowledge they’ve gained here at the College. All of them are taking Nottingham College out into the wider world with them, and that’s something we’re very proud of.”

Current Nottingham College Foundation Degree Hospitality Management students also supported the event, gaining valuable experience of a live event and helping the day run smoothly.

 

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