Croydon University Centre celebrates the class of 2023 at graduation ceremony

The incredible hard work and achievement of Croydon University Centre’s class of 2023 was acknowledged and celebrated at the inspiring graduation ceremony held this week in the centre’s beautiful conference suite.

The event was attended by friends and families and the Deputy Civic Mayor Councillor Appu Srinivasan. Other esteemed guests included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex Graham Pendlingham representing the awarding university for many of the graduates.

The ceremony was opened by the traditional procession led by the Croydon College Group’s Chair of Governors Professor Tony Stevenson. Professor Stevenson welcomed guests and graduates to the event and acknowledged the great achievement of the students and thanked their family and friends for their support. He said: “Today’s graduation is a testament of our students’ hard work and the friends, families and lecturers who have supported them throughout their educational journey. As an institution, we continue to make a significant contribution to social mobility in Croydon by providing students with valuable and equal opportunities to excel. Despite a large number of our students coming from economically challenged households, many of our alumnus have gone on to have successful careers or pursue other higher education opportunities. I wish this year’s graduates the best of luck in their future endeavours and congratulations to the class of 2023.”

The ceremony, which was presided over by Dr Finola Fitzgerald, Head of Higher Education at Croydon University Centre, acknowledged student achievements across courses including business & management, public health & social care, early childhood studies and construction & built environment, validated by the University of Sussex, City & Guilds and Pearson.

High-achieving graduates were also given prestigious awards including the chair of governors’ student award, principal’s award for outstanding studentship, the most inspirational business student in education and training, and the most skilled practitioner award for early childhood studies.

Caireen Mitchell, Principal of Croydon College Group, commented: “This graduation was a celebration of our students’ hard work, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. Many have had to overcome educational or personal challenges during their journey here, and I wish them all the best in their future careers and endeavours.

“Our University Centre is a beacon of hope and inspiration in our community. Many of our students are returners to learning who aspire to improve their careers and life opportunities for themselves and their families. University-level education is not for the privileged few, it is for everyone with the ambition to succeed. I am proud not only of our students but the amazing team of academics at CUC who support them every step of the way and share their own industry expertise to prepare our students for the real world.”

This sentiment was echoed by the Student Speech delivered by Carole Roberte Simb and the guest inspiration speaker Paulette Lewis MBE, Chair of the Croydon BME Forum. Music was provided by current BTEC Music Technology Level 3 students, performing songs including “Love” by Alia and “I wanna dance with somebody” by Whitney Houston, adding a celebratory and uplifting touch to the day’s event.

Croydon University Centre provides university-level courses specialising in nursing, healthcare, business, computing and cyber security. Students can study full time or part-time to fit around their lives and employment. From 2023 all courses will be accredited by the University of Roehampton as well as City and Guilds and Pearson.