Croydon University Centre has celebrated the remarkable achievements of its students with a graduation ceremony for the classes of both 2020 and 2021.
Taking place at the Fairfield Halls on 20 October 2021, the ceremony marked the fantastic achievements of both classes, who achieved their successes despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
Friends, family and the Mayor of Croydon joined over 100 students and senior figures from Croydon College and Croydon University Centre including Caireen Mitchell, CEO and Principal of Croydon College Group, Fadia Clarke, Miemie Neethling-Taylor and Tony Stephenson, Croydon College’s Chair of Governors, as well as Kelly Coates, Professor Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at the University of Sussex.
Getting graduates and their friends and family in the celebratory mood were the Soul Symphony Choir, who gave an upbeat performance with those in the Ashcroft Playhouse clapping and singing along throughout.
Students graduated from CUC across a number of subjects including Business and Management, Construction and the Built Environment, Criminology, Psychology and Social Justice, Early Childhood Studies, Education and Training, Law and Public Health and Social Care.
The ceremony concluded with a drinks reception in Fairfield Halls’ Sun Lounge, where graduates celebrated their achievements with staff and other graduates, taking selfies and other congratulatory photos.
Caireen Mitchell, Principal and CEO of Croydon College Group, said: “It was wonderful to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our 2020 and 2021 classes with a double graduation ceremony.
“It was a brilliant day for the students and their friends and family, as well as for us as staff to see everyone’s hard work pay off.
“Congratulations to our students – who have been resilient, tenacious and absolutely determined to achieve – and I wish them every success in the future.”
Kelly Coates, Professor Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at the University of Sussex, said: “I want to offer students the warmest of congratulations for their achievements.
“We know how challenging the past 18 months have been – on so many levels – for students and they’ve showed real determination to achieve their goals. Well done to everyone”
Tony Stephenson, Croydon College’s Chair of Governors, said: “It was great to see our students being able to finally celebrate their achievements in person.
“They’ve worked so hard and seeing them and their friends and family so excited, alongside our staff, was extremely heartwarming.
“Congratulations to everyone graduating and thanks to our staff for their dedication in supporting our students every step of the way.”
