Orkney College UHI Graduation 2018

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Kirkwall today, Friday, for the Orkney College graduation at St Magnus Cathedral.

In her role as chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, Princess Anne presided over the ceremony, presenting certificates to the graduates and gave an address.

Professor Clive Mullholland, principal and vice chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, along with Orkney College principal Dr Bill Ross, also spoke at the ceremony. Also in attendance were Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) vice president for Higher Education Sorcha Kirker and OIC College Management Council chairman John Ross Scott.

286 students from Orkney College have completed studies across a range of courses including Agriculture, Archaeology, Business Management, Education, Heritage, Early Education and Childcare, Social Care, Computing, Carpentry & Joinery, Accounting, Art & Design, Northern Studies and Hospitality.

There were also several special awards presented to students in addition to their academic awards.

William Lowe received the Orkney College Undergraduate Student of the Year award in recognition of his exceptional academic achievement, contribution to life in the Archaeology Department and his work in engaging with the wider community at Orkney College.

The Orkney College UHI Further Education student of the year was awarded to Vikki Thomson, who successfully completed an NC in Administration.  Vikki was recognised for her resilient and positive approach to her studies whilst overcoming health challenges and for the use of technology during her studies. Vikki is continuing her studies at Orkney College UHI having just started the NC Computer Technologies with Games Design course.

The Highlands and Islands Students’ Association Class Rep of the Year Award was presented to Orkney College UHI student Graham Sinclair. Graham has been a dedicated class rep for the past four years and he has continuously ensured that the views of his peers were represented, as well as being involved in most activities within the college as a representative.

James Ellsmoor, a MLitt in Island Studies (with Distinction) graduate was awarded the University of the Highlands and Islands Postgraduate of the Year Award. He won this award as a result of his global work promoting innovation to other island communities. In addition, he is the co-founder and Director of Solar Head of State, a nonprofit working in Small Island Developing States to promote access to solar energy by working with both local communities and national/regional governments. This year he was also awarded a grant from the UHI Student Development Fund to attended the 7ICEF academic conference in Hawaii. Where he presented his research on innovation in islands. He was one of two UHI student representatives at the RETI conference of island universities in Okinawa where he also presented this research