Celebrating Academic Success at Boston College’s First Ever Graduation

Boston College held their first ever graduation yesterday (Thursday 14th July) at the iconic St Botolph’s Church in Boston.

Over 150 Higher Education students were honoured at the graduation, with 95 in attendance to receive their Certificate of Achievement in front of their peers, friends, family and lecturers. Qualifications gained and celebrated ranged from Higher National Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, Degrees and Postgraduate Certificates in Education.

The graduation commenced with a procession from the College’s Sam Newsom Centre. This spectacular moment was led by Gill Bush, Head of Higher Education, and Boston Grammar student Reuben Coe on the marching bass drum and Haven High Academy student Connie Malkinson on the trumpet, who played to announce the oncoming procession through the centre of town. A moment of immense civic pride.

The ceremony was opened by Claire Foster, Boston College Principal and CEO, who spoke of the pride that the College and the Graduates should feel of this momentous, first of its kind, occasion. Claire said, “Today is special, today is unparalleled. Today is Boston College’s first official graduation and we have never felt so proud. Our college vision is to be ‘brilliant today, better tomorrow’ and our graduates are the epitome of hope and aspiration for better lives and better futures. You all deserve the finest that life has in store for you.”

Following the opening from Claire, guest speaker Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, University of Nottingham’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, addressed the ceremony and spoke about how education is one of the greatest gift a society can give to its citizens saying, “Use your success today as the springboard to future success in your careers; and use it as the catalyst to go on to an attitude in life, a mindset, that says you will always be open and prepared to learn and develop, challenge your own and other people’s thinking as you go through life. That is how we progress and innovate as a society – think differently and never be afraid to challenge the status quo.”

Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam was then followed by Claire Petley, Boston College Education Studies BA (Hons) Graduate, who gave a moving speech to her peers regarding her time studying at Boston College and about how life-changing education can be saying, “University wasn’t an option for me when I left school. It wasn’t until I attended a family learning course, that I realised, I loved learning, so I started my journey on a Level 3 course at Boston College and got a part-time job in a local school. After receiving amazing support from my tutors, I realised that a university degree was within my reach. I started to dream bigger, I moved on to a more fulfilling and challenging job, with the aim of supporting and encouraging those students who, like myself at school don’t have the confidence or belief in themselves. I would especially like to say thank you to the lectures at Boston College, who have inspired so many who never believed they could become more, so I’d like to thank you from all of us students past, present and future.”

The graduands were called up one-by-one to collect their certificate from Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, Professor Kamil Omoteso, University of Derby Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences and Claire Foster, each receiving a wave of applause from the audience, as they became graduates.

They then had the opportunity to extend their celebration of the joyous event with a glass of fizz within the grounds of St Botolph’s Church, taking photos and making lasting memories with their peers, family, friends and lecturers.

Throughout the day guests received an array of musical performances from Boston College Music student, Anthony Swan, who sang Hallelujah and ex-Boston College student, Lora Jones, who sang One Moment in Time as well as a string quartet and a live organist performance.

We wish our graduates the very best of luck in their future endeavours.

If you’ve been inspired by the Boston College Graduation, please visit our University Level course page for more information.