Joy for East Coast College students at graduation ceremony

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton) Surrounded by parents, friends, family and proud lecturers, the students' success was marked as the East Coast College graduation ceremony was held on Friday, October 18 at the Great Yarmouth Minster.

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton) East Coast College students from the class of 2024 at the college’s Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth campuses were all honoured.

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton) Students were presented with foundation degrees and degrees in a range of programmes including engineering, sport, business, social care, health programmes and wildlife conservation, while professional qualifications in education and training were also presented.

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton) Organised in partnership with the University of Suffolk, the ceremony was opened by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jenny Higham, with speeches from Paul Padda, principal and chief executive of East Coast College.

Kerry Payne, assistant principal for higher education and access at East Coast College, said: "Congratulations to all our graduates who have worked so hard to achieve their degrees.

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton) "They have all demonstrated great passion and resilience through their studies.

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton) "For many, the journey has involved juggling family responsibilities or the tension of work-related pressures.

"For others, the challenge has been in growth, resilience, and discovery.

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton) "All of our students should be extremely proud of themselves.

The annual University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton) "The knowledge and skills they have gained will support them to enhance their own opportunities and we wish them well in the next chapter of their lives."

During the ceremony, The Paddy Shaw Prize for Higher Education Student of the Year – named in honour of the late Paddy Shaw, a former member of college staff – was awarded to a student who demonstrated knowledge, skills, ability, or resilience above and beyond what is expected.

The Paddy Shaw Prize for Higher Education Student of the Year is presented to Paul Mantripp at the University of Suffolk at East Coast College graduation at Great Yarmouth Minster 2024. Picture: Julian Claxton (Image: Julian Claxton)

This went to Paul Mantripp, who graduated with a Bachelor of Art with Honours in Creative Arts Practice.

Another special award – Honorary Fellow – was presented to both Rob Evans and Alan Debenham, who were integral members of the East Coast College Governance Body which oversaw the two mergers that formed East Coast College.