Graduation ceremony celebrates Rochdale’s Higher Education Class of 2025

Hopwood Hall College celebrated its Class of 2025 in style when it held its annual Higher Education Graduation and Awards Ceremony.

The event saw graduates of all ages donning caps and gowns for an unforgettable evening at Rochdale Town Hall.

Friends, family and lecturers packed out the historic Great Hall to watch as each individual received a scroll acknowledging the success they have achieved on their courses.

It marked a milestone occasion for the graduates who have completed a range of university-level qualifications, including Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

The ceremony’s first keynote speaker was Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton, who is a former student at Hopwood Hall.

Matty gave a rousing speech detailing his journey from studying at the college to playing nationally for England.

He was then followed by Rose Marley, the CEO of Co-operatives UK.

Rose – who was recently appointed to Chair the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation alongside actor Steve Coogan – used her speech to evoke the spirit of the Rochdale Pioneers.

The ceremony concluded with two special awards being presented by Chair of the Corporation, Gary Buxton MBE.

The first gong – the Award for Academic Excellence – went to Level 4 Certificate in Education & Training graduate Allan Doherty.

Allan, 38, was lauded for being an ‘exemplary student’ who always completed his work to the highest standard.

Meanwhile, HTQ Computing graduate Ragiba Mayilova picked up for the prize for Remarkable Achievement and Dedication.

Ragiba, 39, was praised for rising to every challenge with an outstanding enthusiasm.

The graduation ceremony comes at a pivotal time for the college as it continues to expand its university-level courses and increase opportunities for people in the borough and beyond.

It now offers Bachelor degrees, which are delivered through a partnership with The Open University.

This includes the BSc in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation course, which enrolled its first students in September.

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “I’d like to send another huge congratulations to our fabulous Class of 2025.

“I’m incredibly proud of the success they’ve found and thrilled to see the doors that are beginning to open for them.

“Many of our graduates have already secured hard-earned jobs, while others have progressed to further study and are set to become masters of their field.

“They really are brilliant examples that you can stay local and go far through Higher Education in Rochdale!”

*ENDS*

Share!