Congratulations UCS Class of '22!

Nearly 400 students completed their university-level or professional qualifications at UCS in 2022, in a range of subjects, including Agricultural Management, Fine Art, Counselling, and Nuclear Engineering.

Among the guests attending across the two ceremonies were staff, parents, governors, and VIPs including Councillor Susan Lees, Mayor of Taunton. UCS also welcomed guest speaker Liz Leyshon, Deputy Leader for Somerset County Council, to address graduates and guests.

SIx years ago, student awards were introduced to recognise the outstanding commitment and dedication shown by students. Congratulations to this year’s winners:

• Student of the Year 2022 was awarded to Ben Bidmead, BSc (Hons) Animal Management and Wildlife Conservation.
• Best Final Project or Dissertation 2022 was won by Emma Webber, BA (Hons) Fine Art.
• The Principal’s Prize 2022 was awarded to Billie Batten, BA (Hons) Media Make-up.
• The University of Plymouth Academic Partnership Prize 2022 was won by Peter Elston, BSc (Hons) Agricultural Management top-up.

As is customary at UCS graduations, each ceremony closed with the Student Vote of Thanks, a speech written and delivered by lecturer-nominated students. This year, these two students were Donna Holden, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, and Georgeena Pengelly, BSc (Hons) Agricultural Management. Georgeena shared,

"Today is not only a day where we celebrate our academic achievements, but it is also to recognise this huge step in our lives we have taken and to celebrate the new individuals we have become."

Andy Berry, Principal and Chief Executive of University Centre Somerset, said,

"The University Centre Somerset Graduation is a highlight of our academic year. It is an opportunity for students to celebrate and share their hard work and success with families, friends and lecturers. Congratulations to all of the graduates on their achievements, I wish them all a bright and prosperous future."