Students in graduation celebration

Former students of the College were rewarded for their efforts over the past few years, when the annual Awards Congregations took place at Symphony Hall, in Birmingham city centre.

Those graduating from the College's foundation degree and degree programmes attended one of two ceremonies during Monday, September 17, while those on Further Education courses were given their own less formal event in the evening.

Successful graduates were joined by their family and friends during the course of the day, when over 1,500 graduates received their awards from Professor A M Cruise, pro-vice-chancellor of the University of Birmingham.

Among those celebrating were Parveen Gautan and Sadif Javaid, who were graduating from the FdA Early Childhood Studies programme.

Parveen said: "We're both planning to come back to do the final year and get a full degree - it has been really great studying here and the lecturers are always very supportive and approachable, encouraging us to progress."

Melanie Lubsey and Simon James were both graduating form the BA (Hons) Culinary Arts Management course, having started at the College as NVQ students in 2001.

Melanie said: "We're the only two students graduating who've been here for the full six years, but it's been a great experience studying here, which is why I've stayed so long, and it has helped me to get a job now as a head chef in the city."

Another long-serving student was Sephena Reece, who came to the College seven years ago to study a GNVQ in Leisure and Tourism, before moving onto the BTEC Travel and Tourism and finally the degree in Tourism Business Management.

She said: "The subject kept me interested throughout, and I felt comfortable moving up through the College. I'd like to stay in the industry and I’m looking to apply for a job as a business travel consultant."

BA (Hons) Hospitality with Tourism Management student Yanyan Zheng, from China, is now planning to put her degree to good use by working in the hotel industry.

She said: "The course here has given me a great deal of relevant knowledge and experience, including spending a year on placement at a hotel in this country, and that is now what I'd like to do for a career."

The ceremony also saw 15 students receiving memorial awards, in recognition of exceptional achievement or overcoming adversity to complete their course, and two honorary fellowships given out to individuals who have been closely associated with the College over the years.