Oldham graduates put on a show of style
Reporter: KAREN DOHERTY
Date published: 15 July 2011
Photo: Anthony Miller
The colourful parade winds its way through the town centre before the graduation ceremony.
IT was a splendid day of congratulations and celebrations for the borough’s graduates.
Proud family and friends watched more than 220 University Campus Oldham students from all walks of life — from taxi drivers to joiners — receive their degrees, diplomas and professional qualifications.
A record 29 first-class honours degrees were also handed out yesterday in front of more than 400 guests at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
And it was the first time that graduates from the early years foundation degree joined the likes of law, health and community studies, business management and digital arts.
They included Dawn Walters (39) who own Tots Junction nursery at Middleton Junction and said: “I have studied before, but not for a long time. It was a struggle going back to it but it was good.”
Yesterday’s cap and gown ceremony followed the colourful town-centre procession which was introduced last year.
Lots of photographs were taken as graduates, lecturers and dignitaries were led off to a rousing rendition of “Congratulations” by Skelmanthorpe Band.
Those watching included Anne Baynham who was waiting for a glimpse of granddaughter Claire who graduated with an honours degree in health and community studies.
She said: “It’s lovely. We are so proud of her.”
The emotional day started at 8.30am when people started arriving to be fitted for their gowns and mortar boards.
They posed for official photographs before congregating outside for informal shots with friends and well-wishers.
Among them was Marco Bonda (37), from Ashton who moved from Zimbabwe in 2000. The father-of-two studied construction and project management while working and looking after his family.
He said: “It was hard but I have enjoyed it and I have made some fantastic friends along the way.
“I have got a background in construction from Zimbabwe. I have waited for today for a long time. It’s a dream come true.”
His friends on the course included Tom Hilton (23), from Rochdale, who added: “I am a joiner. I did an apprenticeship and I wanted to go on and do this.”
Joining in the excitement with Lieza Muhwati (33), from Royton, were husband, Morgan, and 19-month-old son Marvin.
The mother-of-three and health and community studies graduate said: “I have enjoyed learning with other people and sharing ideas.”
And it was a double celebration for Simon Hallett who is 44 today. He works in the estates department at Manchester University and received a first-class honours degree in construction management.
Friend Neil Jackson (55), who works at Kirkless Council, also achieved a first for the same course and said: “We were very happy with the campus. It was a very positive experience, the lecturers went out of their way to help us.”
Quantity surveyor Lea Smith (27), from Mossley, also did a construction and project management degree.
He was accompanied by his parents, Eddie and Julie, and fiancée Jessica Tomniak.
His mum said: “I am very proud. He has worked very hard and it’s just what you hope for as a parent.”
The campus is part of Huddersfield University and vice chancellor Professor Bob Cryan presented the prizes.
He said: “This is a very special day for our graduates and all their family and friends who supported them during their studies.
“It’s an occasion for fun and good cheer and the procession through the town was fun.”
After receiving their degrees the graduates were shown a congratulatory message from University Chancellor actor Patrick Stewart who gave them an emotional address on how to follow their dreams and make a difference in the world.
And at a lunch for invited guests and dignitaries that followed the ceremony, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Mrs Christina Lee-Jones praised the university’s attention to detail in making the whole day a memorable one for all who attended.
