University Centre Sparsholt celebrates the class of 2022 and 30 years of degrees with Graduation at Winchester Cathedral
University Centre Sparsholt has been delighted to celebrate the class of 2022 and 30 years of degree courses at the awe-inspiring setting of Winchester Cathedral for Graduation. Graduates, Alumni, lecturers, family, friends and supporters including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Sparsholt College President, Nigel Atkinson Esq and the Mayor of Winchester were able to join together and celebrate the hard work and dedication of the outstanding cohort and the other Alumni members from the last three decades. Students were presented with their well-earned degrees and prizes for individual endeavour and academic success as the class of 2022 embark on the next stage of their lives.
Principal Julie Milburn reviewed Sparsholt’s achievements through the year. She said: “We are extremely thankful to, once again, be able to hold our graduation ceremony at the traditional time of year and celebrate with our graduands and guests on such a wonderful summer’s day in such fantastic surroundings. However, it is difficult to forget and would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the challenges faced by students and staff alike over the past three years as a consequence of the pandemic. Despite the restrictions of Covid-19 and the additional obligations we all faced, I’m delighted to tell you that almost 300 students are eligible to graduate today.”
Matthew Rendle RVN, Chairman of the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Council was also present at the ceremony to lead the pledge for new classes of Veterinary Nursing Students, he declared: “Today is a momentous day, with your admission to the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses, allowing you to legally practice as a veterinary nurse, abiding by the VN code of professional conduct as an accountable professional. As veterinary nurses you are an essential part of the veterinary team, working alongside your colleagues to ensure the health and welfare of your patients. You will make a positive difference on every shift you work, do not ever forget that.”
Our 2022 Student Votes of Thanks
After the presentation of awards, graduating students Matt Jupe, BSc Zoo Biology and Laura Bridle, BSc Equestrian Performance Management gave their vote of thanks on behalf of the 2022 students. They used their speeches to thank everyone present for the fantastic support they had received over their time studying:
Matt, said: “Congratulations to everyone here today, you have achieved something wonderful in one of the hardest times so give yourself a pat on the back. From pizza filled Freshers Fayres to practical sessions in the labs and trips to amazing collections such as The Hawk Conservancy and London Zoo. We have all made it through to Graduation and should be very proud of ourselves.”
Laura, said: “We have had the privilege to study in an outstanding countryside campus with numerous industry facilities and academic resources to allow key skills to be developed, which we will take with us in the future. We have had the opportunity to understand the world in which we are about to enter through employment, and communication from guest speakers usually through our own personal friend Microsoft teams, which has strengthened the desire for our own careers. We have witnessed the development of these fantastic facilities to allow future students to thrive in this ever-growing campus, just as we have.
“The biggest gratitude must be expressed to our lecturers, who have also had to adapt and overcome in these uncertain times, just as we have. Their wealth of knowledge, contacts and experience in diverse fields is unmatched, and is what has got us here today. They have the amazing ability to make the incomprehensible understandable with infectious enthusiasm, with their belief in us usually exceeding our own. Therefore, encouraging us far beyond what we thought we could achieve; without you all we could not be here today.”
Sparsholt College President, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq also spoke to the Graduates and Guests: “ You have demonstrated huge resilience and strength of character in continuing with your studies and being highly successful in your degrees it is wonderful to be able to celebrate this special day with you and your families. You have benefitted from a first-rate education which will undoubtedly open many doors to you. Use it well and continue with individual thought and always giving of your best. Having commitment is so important. The most worthy ambition you can have is to be true to yourself, and to try and make a difference.”
Applications are still open to join University Centre Sparsholt in September 2022
View 2022 Graduation Gallery here
Watch 2022 Ceremony again here