Graduations are always the highlight of the College year, and this year has been no exception. At ceremonies at Clydebank Town Hall, Greenock Town Hall, and Paisley Abbey graduates celebrated their achievements and looked forward to the future.

This was also a chance for the College to congratulate its students. Speaking after the ceremonies Principal Audrey Cumberford told how she enjoyed the occasion.

“What a fantastic atmosphere. This is the night of the year for the students, and the families, partners, friends that have supported them through the year. Genuinely, for me, it’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of.”

Organising the Graduation ceremonies involves hard work from the whole College; not just from teaching and support staff, but from students as well.

Media students from our Greenock Campus were responsible for filming the events, to make sure the excitement was captured on film. After filming hours of footage, students took the time to produce edit videos for all to remember the occasion.

Click here for a look at our Greenock ceremony and our Paisley ceremonies.

Photography students were also a key part of the team. Students were tasked with capturing the fun and exciting atmosphere of the events. All their images are available to buy at www.wcs.smugmug.com, with all proceeds going towards Yorkhill Children’s Charity.

Graduates had much to celebrate this year, and West College Scotland Student of the Year was HND Biomedical Science Graduate Kim Hamilton. Pictured above with her fellow Greenock Prize Winners, Kim wasn’t expecting this, but was delighted even to receive a nomination.

“At first I was shocked, you don’t expect something like that, it was very humbling…Even to get the nomination, it was really thoughtful and kind of them to think of me. The lecturers go above and beyond for you here, and you just don’t get that anywhere else. They’ve been an inspiration to me.”

Memorial awards were also given at each of our ceremonies, recognising the exceptional hard work of three students. At our Paisley ceremonies Stacy Campbell, graduate of HNC Care & Administrative Practice won both her course prize, and the Elaine Linden Memorial award, for her hard work and success in the face of personal challenges.

Stacy said: “Even though the course at Paisley was a lot of work, with placement and studying, and with the extra support I needed, and even though I had a lot going on outside of College, it was never a struggle. I was really driven to do well, and the support I received from the College made it possible.”

For the Clydebank ceremonies, William Brown was winner of the Margaret Bootland memorial award, after joining the college in 2011 and showing academic success, hard work and an impressive commitment to others. 

Jason Dick, also pictured above alongside his fellow Greenock prize winners, won the Dean Maltman memorial award, for his success and enthusiasm for new experiences.

Jason said: “I’ve delivered workshops, given presentations and taken part in question and answer sessions. If you’d asked me years ago if I’d be doing these things I’d have said NO way –I’ve come a long way and I’m proud of my achievements.”

Also at Greenock was winner of the Chairperson’s Award William McIllroy. William (pictured below, with WCS Chairman Keith McKellar) is currently a student on our Steps to Work programme and was delighted to receive such an award.

“It’s been brilliant to be at the College. I enjoy my course, and it’s been a great experience.”

Current students and graduates made sure that each of our ceremonies was a special occasion, to be remembered for years to come. West College Scotland is proud of all its graduates, and all were delighted to share the occasion with them.

Visit www.wcs.smugmug.com to buy images from all of our ceremonies, with proceeds going to Yorkhill Children’s Charity.