PICTURES: UHI North Highland graduates from last three years celebrate at graduation ceremony
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Students who had graduated from UHI North Highland College since the pandemic began gathered for a mass celebration to mark their achievements.
Special awards were also handed out as graduates, their families, friends and colleagues came together for a special graduation service at St Peter’s and St Andrew’s Church in Thurso.
The graduation was the first ceremony to take place since 2019 and the event welcomed graduates from 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Master of ceremony, Professor Stuart Gibb, director of research and innovation at the Environmental Research Institute, opened the ceremony and congratulated all celebrating their successes, ranging from SVQ level 3 to postgraduate programmes.
Principal Debbie Murray welcomed more than 200 guests and commended the graduates on their commitment and resilience in completing their studies throughout a global pandemic.
“This is the most important day of the year for our higher education students and one we are delighted to be able to celebrate together face to face," she said.
"The class of '22 have not only achieved their qualifications but have done so, in many cases, whilst working and dealing with a global pandemic. All the staff at UHI North Highland are extremely proud of their achievements and are delighted to continue to support our rural communities with flexible approaches to learning.”
The ceremony on Friday, October 21, was due to be held on September 16, but was postponed due to national mourning for the passing of the Her Majesty, The Queen.
Viscount Thurso, Lord Lieutenant of Caithness, gave the guest speaker’s address and reminisced of his own career journey and wished the students well.
“Well done and congratulations," he told them. "Remember, chance does favour the prepared mind, so wherever you go, whatever chance comes, good luck!”
The college, which is spread across the north Highlands in Thurso, Dornoch and Alness, was also presenting a number of special awards at this year’s ceremony.
These included the Highlands and Islands Student Association (HISA) Sporting Club of the Year, which was awarded to the UHI Golf team.
HISA Full Blues for outstanding sporting achievements went to BA (Hons) Professional Golf students John Oster, Declan Gray, Lewis Johnson, Taylor Kerr, Alan Murphy, Chris Turner, Giovanni Siani, Ewan Cuthbert and Finlay Wallace.
UHI North Highland Student of the Year was awarded to Access to Construction and Engineering student Connah Wadsworth for his commitment and dedication to his studies.
Willie Printie Prize for Engineering Excellence – Liam Elder BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree with distinction. The Willie Printie Prize for Engineering Excellence is donated by Willie Printie, former managing director of LifeScan Scotland. The award acknowledges academic excellence in engineering and is given to someone who began as an apprentice and graduated with a degree in engineering. The winner is selected annually from graduating engineering students from across the UHI partnership.
The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) local network award for Student Excellence on a Non-Accredited Course – Graeme Mcbreen. Graeme also graduated with his BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree with distinction.
Sue Jane Taylor was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from UHI in absentia in recognition of her sustained and significant contribution to UHI and to Scotland’s creative and cultural landscape.
Professor Frank Rennie was presented with the Chancellor’s Medal in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the development of UHI.
Donald MacBeath, former principal who retired in 2020, was presented with the UHI Vice Chancellor’s Award for 36 years of service to the college.
Anne Bremner, former director of learning and teaching, was also presented with the UHI Vice Chancellor’s Award for over 30 years of service to the college.
UHI’s specially commissioned ceremonial mace, which symbolises the Highlands and Islands, was carried by Mrs Anna Swanson who also dedicated 30 years’ service to UHI North Highland.
Following the ceremony, staff, graduates, family, and friends were invited to attend a drinks reception and buffet at the Pentland Hotel to celebrate.
UHI North Highland would like to pay special thanks to Reverend David Malcolm of St Peter’s and St Andrew’s Church, Thurso; photographer John Baikie, Andrew Mackay and all the staff at the Pentland hotel; Piper, Marc Moodie; Mace Bearer, Anna Swanson; guest speaker Lord Viscount Thurso, and all the UHI North Highland staff, students, family, and friends in attendance.
RESULTS
Doctor of Philosophy: Environmental Science PHD
Henk Pieter Sterk, Daniel Johnston, Lydia Niemi, Nicola Largey, Iain Detrey
Master of Science with Distinction: Engineering (General)
Erik Robertson
Master of Science with Distinction: Mechanical Engineering
Mark Graham
Master of Science with Distinction: Sustainable Energy Solutions
Matthew White
Post Graduate Certificate with Distinction: Equine Leadership and Management
Katharina Fenkner
Honours Degree, First Class: Applied Science
Bibiana Aldrick
Honours Degree: Child and Youth Studies
Lani Jones
Honours Degree, First Class: Contemporary Film Making in the Highlands and Islands
Conor Purvis, Joe Osborn, Bruce Murray
Honours Degree, First Class: Environmental Science
Alysia Akerman
Honours Degree: Contemporary Film Making in the Highlands and Islands
Cameron McDonald
Honours Degree, First Class: Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
Thalia Adams
Honours Degree: Environmental Science
Jacqueline Johnstone
Honours Degree: Equine Business Management
Christina Hope
Honours Degree (First Class): Gaelic Scotland (Beginner)
Elenna Loughlin
Honours Degree: Golf Management
Kieran McCormick, Rebecca Riddell, Sean Kennedy
Honours Degree, First Class: Mechanical Engineering
Emma Gunn, Leoni Mowat, Jonathan Fell, Michael Williamson
Honours Degree: Professional Golf
Andrew McColl, Calum Satterley, Ewan Brown, John Oster, Taylor White
Honours Degree: Sport and Fitness
Chloe Mackay, Sarah Begg
Ordinary Degree with Distinction: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Graeme McBreen, Liam Elder
Ordinary Degree: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Kirsty Robertson
Ordinary Degree: Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
Kaj-Martin Curlis
Ordinary Degree: Health and Social Studies
Beth MacKenzie
Ordinary Degree with Distinction: Mechanical Engineering
Liam Mackay (sister Kara received the award in his memory)
Ordinary Degree: Mechanical Engineering
Cameron Beedie, James Lynch, Louise Fraser, Reece Coghill
Ordinary Degree: Sport and Fitness
Tristan Jack
Diploma of Higher Education: Professional Golf PGA
Jack Harling
Higher National Diploma: Computer Science
Duncan Davidson
Higher National Certificate: Business
Emma Green, Vicky Miller
Higher National Certificate: Childhood Practice
Carly Ferrier, Silke Fritz
Higher National Certificate: Equine Studies
Katrina Seaton
Higher National Certificate: Professional Cookery
Rhiannon McMahon, Sarah Malcolm
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma Veterinary Nursing
Rebecca Dakers
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 (MA): Social Services and Healthcare
Elaine McPhee, Patricia Smith-Worts
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Social Services and Healthcare
Emily Bond, Shirley Ferries, Sophie Sutherland
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Social Services Children and Young people
Jodi-Ann Riddler
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Beauty Therapy
Ava Fulton, Gemma Charlton, Laura Mackenzie, Shannon Whiting
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Hairdressing
Loren Arronsmith, Sophie-Ann Bain, Daniel Flett, Lyndsay Gunn, Megan Thain
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
Ross Mackay
