Graduation success forlocal girls

Terri Fearon was recognised for her National Diploma in Business within the School of Business, Management and Finance and Rebecca McAnearney celebrated her Higher National Diploma in Beauty Therapy Sciences within the School of Applied Science, Hair and Beauty.

They were among over 1,000 higher education learners who attended the recent graduation ceremony which was held in Titanic Belfast on November 13.

The annual event welcomed 2,000 guests over three ceremonies and recognised students from the Schools of Engineering and Construction, Electronic and Computing Technologies, A Level, Adult Access and Languages, Health, Care, Sport and Leisure, Creative and Service Industries, Business, Management and Finance and Applied Science, Hair and Beauty.

For the first time, Belfast Met conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award to a number of industry leaders and personal achievers.

Mark Pollock, spinal injury pioneer and former South Pole adventurer was recognised for his outstanding personal achievements, Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Tourist Board was awarded for his outstanding contribution to the local tourism industry and Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of NI Chamber was awarded for her outstanding contribution to local business development and enterprise.

Marie-Thérèse McGivern, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Metropolitan College, congratulated the new graduates.

“Belfast Met is extremely proud of each of our graduates and we would like to thank and congratulate every one of them on their dedication and passion for learning,” she said.

“We are delighted to offer a special occasion that allows our graduates to celebrate their achievements with those who have supported and assisted them throughout their studies, from family and friends to lecturers and support staff in the College. We wish our graduates every success in their futures and hope their learning journeys with us continue for years to come.”

Guests also had the chance to hear from three local entrepreneurs who helped to inspire the graduates as they face the next step in their education or career. Simon Cole, Co-founder of Automated Intelligence, Mary McCall, founder of TreatTicket.com and Eleanor McEvoy, founder of Budget Energy each reflected on their journeys to success.

As part of the celebration event, graduates and their guests had the chance to see performances from Belfast Met’s choir, formed of both staff and students, hear music from a number of student bands and catch a dance performance from current students while enjoying a reception at the College’s Titanic Quarter Campus.