09/10/2020
More than 170 students from the Isle of Man will, this evening, attend the only live graduation ceremony to be held in the British Isles this year.
University College Isle of Man (UCM) will recognise 142 students at its Higher Education Awards Ceremony in Douglas. A further 30 Manx graduates, who attended UK universities, will also have their achievements honoured at this year’s event.
All Isle of Man graduands were invited to attend after COVID-19 restrictions led to the cancellation of ceremonies in the UK.
Jo Petty, UCM Principal, said:
‘We are very proud of what our students have achieved in this most challenging of years, and we are delighted to welcome so many Manx graduates and their families in what is a real show of unity and togetherness.’
The Chief Minister will open tonight’s event at the Villa Marina at 7pm.
Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, said:
‘I am extremely proud that the Isle of Man is in a position to host this ceremony as a live gathering – it means families can share in the moment. It will be my pleasure and privilege to open the event this evening, which marks a significant milestone in so many lives.’
Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:
‘It has been an extremely challenging year for everyone and I admire that so many students have persevered with their studies. With the tightening of restrictions in the UK it makes tonight’s ceremony even more special and gives us an opportunity to celebrate some wonderful achievements.’
An impressive 87% of UCM graduates have finished with a first class or upper second class honours degree this year, which sits comfortably above the UK average.