Eastern Education Group CEO ‘so proud of the class of 2023’

The prestigious St Edmundsbury Cathedral hosted the annual University Studies at West Suffolk College (USWSC) graduation ceremony today (Saturday 14 October 2023).

Graduation 2023 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds

The occasion saw over 100 graduates receive their scrolls in front of families, friends, loved ones, teachers and college staff.

A total of 179 students graduated in a range of subjects and courses – 45 with first class honours and 54 gained either an HND or HNC qualification.

Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO of the Eastern Education Group (which includes West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form, One Sixth Form and University Studies at West Suffolk College) said: “What education gives is an opportunity to grow and develop as a person, as a citizen and as a professional. What we give our students are the skills and the confidence to grab the opportunities to grow. I am so proud of the class of 2023. They have seized every single opportunity with both hands. They have demonstrated resilience, tenacity and seeing them grow into the graduates they are today gives all of us an incredible sense of pride. They truly deserve the awards and accolades bestowed on them today.  These are individuals who want to go on and help themselves,  support our community, and create opportunity – and the qualifications, connections, and character strengths that they have worked tirelessly to gain will be a fantastic platform from which they can open doors. Education is a gift and should be cherished.  I am immensely proud of everyone here today.”

Dr Elspeth Lees, Executive Dean of University Studies at West Suffolk College said: “It’s always an incredibly emotional time to see our students proudly step up to receive their degrees amidst the backdrop of the iconic Cathedral. A massive congratulations to everyone.”

During the ceremonies, Dr Nikos Savvas, Gina Long MBE and The Very Reverend Joe Hawes Dean of St Edmundsbury gave speeches.  The degrees were conferred by Professor Mohammad Dastbaz Deputy Vice-Chancellor from University of Suffolk (UoS) and Professor Zoe Butterfint, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Partnerships & Apprenticeships (UEA).

After the ceremony, guests and graduates mingled with staff, friends and families amidst the historic grounds of the Cathedral.

In addition to students having their academic awards conferred, six prizes were presented to students who were nominated by tutors for their outstanding achievements during their studies. The awards were as follows. Chloe Bailey-Howlett – outstanding achievement of the year. Ben Loft – academic excellence for creative technologies. Ellie Parker – academic excellence for business. Peter Hooper – academic excellence for health and human sciences. James Harrod – academic excellence for engineering and construction. Angela Mcgarry – academic excellence for humanities.

All higher education qualifications are accredited by UOS, UEA and Pearson.