Exeter College has celebrated this year’s higher education graduates with a unique event that allowed them to celebrate at home, although it went above and beyond a simple live streamed ceremony. 

Exeter College’s Higher Education Graduation normally takes place at Exeter Cathedral, but due to social distancing and government guidelines it had to be adapted this year. Many other institutions have moved their ceremonies online, inviting students to watch from home, but Exeter College has gone one step further, making it a hybrid event. 

“Our learners have shown incredible innovation and resilience to achieve their qualifications.”

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive

Each graduate who pre-registered was posted a box of goodies and instructed to open them on 23^rd October 2020, the day of graduation. The boxes contained a mini bottle of Prosecco, complete with a sipper, mortarboard and a sweet treat from Exeter’s Exploding Bakery. The boxes also contained items to help them as they progress in the world of work, including a notepad, pen and reusable cup.  

Graduates were invited to sit & relax, sip & celebrate and selfie & share their experience while they enjoyed the ceremony from the comfort of their own homes via either Facebook Premiere or YouTube Premieres. 

The ceremony included speeches from Exeter College Principal John Laramy, Chair of the Board of Governors David Allen OBE and College alumnus Ben Page, who is now the Chief Executive at research agency Ipsos MORI.  

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to celebrate the incredible achievements of our higher education students with this hybrid virtual event.  

“Our learners have shown incredible innovation and resilience to achieve their qualifications and although we’d love to celebrate with them in person at Exeter Cathedral, I’m glad we’ve been able to come together virtually, complete with our DIY Graduation boxes, to take some time to reflect and celebrate them achieving their qualifications.  

“It has been great seeing everyone join in online and I can’t wait to see what they all go on to achieve in the future.”  

Students from across the College’s higher education courses joined in with the celebrations, including those on higher apprenticeships, degree level courses and higher level diploma qualifications.  

If you’re considering a university level course with Exeter College, contact our expert Adult Advice Team on adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk.