Degrees of pride for students

Photo: Paul Sterritt

Mr Wilson's Second Liners - a New Orleans street band - leads the graduation procession.

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STUDENTS danced their way through Oldham town centre as a New Orleans street band led the borough’s annual student graduation parade on Friday.

The colourful Mr Wilson’s Second Liners — in bright Sgt Pepper-style outfits — blasted out Nineties dance classics as around 100 University Campus Oldham graduates took part. Shoppers stopped to take photographs of the spectacle before the graduation ceremony at Oldham Parish Church.

Students received degrees, higher national certificates, higher level apprenticeships and foundation degrees in nine subjects ranging from games art to performing arts and psychological studies to construction. They included mature students who fitted their studies around work and bringing up children. Honorary fellowships were also awarded to Oldham Chronicle managing editor David Whaley and First Choice Homes Oldham chief executive Cath Green.

Cath (55), from Chadderton, said: “I feel so proud to be receiving this honour — it’s a humbling experience. I never thought I would get to wear a cap and gown — I never went to university, my route was vocational training.”

Among the graduates was new dad Joel Brayford, who took his nine week old son Jenson. Joel (34), from Springhead, a design engineer with Heyrod Construction, received a BSc in construction and project management.

He said: “Luckily I handed in my dissertation in the week or so before Jenson arrived. I timed it just right!”

Mike Patra (48), from Werneth, won the William Northam prize for the student who contributed the most to UCO. The former electrical installer decided he wanted to become a social worker after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“When I was at school, boys were engineers so that’s what I did,” he explained. “When I was diagnosed with MS, I decided to do something different. I had to stop work because I walk with sticks and I couldn’t do my job. The degree has been good. It’s got me out of the house!”

MIke was unable to attend Friday’s ceremony because of a hospital appointment — but dropped in to UCO beforehand to soak up the atmosphere.

Mike is now planning a masters degree in social work at Salford University and would like to work with former armed forces personnel.”.

Tim Wallis, senior lecturer in health and community studies, said: “Mike has always been a real team player who is very happy to discuss ideas, share resources and listen to anyone who is stuck or struggling.

UCO head Debbie Bridge said: “It’s been incredibly successful and we have been flexible to the Government changes to funding for education. The important thing is to keep a presence in the local community. That’s what we set out to do, to make higher education available to a wider range of people.”


twitter: @KarenDohertyOC