AROUND 160 Exeter College higher education students donned their caps and gowns on Friday 22nd Oct to attend their Graduation Ceremony, held at Exeter Cathedral at 2pm.

Joining them to celebrate their achievements were around 500 guests, including the Lord and Lady Mayoress, and representatives of Exeter College and its Board of Governors, including Principal Richard Atkins, as well as other Devon schools, colleges, and universities.

The guest speaker was Flybe’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim French, who addressed, among others, senior representatives of the universities of Exeter, Plymouth, and Marjon, the Exeter College graduates of 2010, and their families.

The students were awarded qualifications ranging from BA and PGCE to FdSc, FdA, HNC and HND, in a broad cross-section of subject areas offered at the College, including Business Management, Health and Social Care, Performance Production, Legal Practice, Sports Therapy, Education, Early Years, Engineering, and Construction.

The ceremony began with a procession of dignitaries attending within the Cathedral accompanied by music provided by Exeter College Wind Band.

Once the students had collected their certificates, they were invited to afternoon tea at the Thistle Hotel in the city, held within the Cavendish Room and Devonshire Suite.

Julie Skinner, Head of Higher Education at Exeter College, said: “This is the third Exeter College graduation ceremony. It is always a wonderful occasion for students, their families, and the city, in which we are able to celebrate the success of all our higher education students here at Exeter College.

“The cathedral is a beautiful venue which lends itself to such a prestigious occasion and we are looking forward to returning again this year.”