STUDENTS from University Centre Sparsholt have celebrated their graduation at Winchester Cathedral.

Graduates, Alumni, lecturers, family, friends and supporters including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Sparsholt College Group President, Nigel Atkinson Esq, the Mayor of Winchester and guest of honour Dr Jo Judge, Chief Executive of BIAZA (The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) came to together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the leaving cohort.

Hampshire Chronicle: HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Sparsholt College Group President, Nigel Atkinson Esq addressing studentsHM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Sparsholt College Group President, Nigel Atkinson Esq addressing students (Image: University Centre Sparsholt)Students were presented with their degrees and prizes for individual endeavour and academic success as the class of 2023 embark on the next stage of their lives.

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Principle Julie Milburn said: “As we look around this wonderful cathedral each and every one of our students has their own story to tell of their time spent with us, but what they all have in common is that shared enthusiasm for their subject and the practical and theoretical knowledge and skills that they will bring to industry in the years ahead.

“Within this magnificent building today I can feel an overwhelming sense of pride and optimism knowing that you, graduates of University Centre Sparsholt, the work-ready University, will soon be doing amazing work, in the land-based sector, if not already, a sector that is vital for the security and prosperity of not just our nation but for nations across the globe.”

Graduating student Robyn Mackenzie said: “I believe all of the graduates who are here today think a huge thank you is in order, to the awesome supervisors and lecturers who make University Centre Sparsholt a great place to learn and thrive, who have given up their lunch hours to give us 1:1 coaching, who have helped us navigate the enormous task of completing a degree, who have helped us with career decisions and allowed us to take on challenges and progress in ways we didn’t think we could.

Hampshire Chronicle: Graduating students Robyn Mackenzie and Tegan O'Neill giving the Student Vote of ThanksGraduating students Robyn Mackenzie and Tegan O'Neill giving the Student Vote of Thanks (Image: University Centre Sparsholt)SEE ALSO: Part of new M3 barrier demolished so 'improvements' can be made

“Thank you for your continued support.”

To close the ceremonies HM Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson Esq, Sparsholt College Group President took the opportunity to wish the students the very best of luck for the future and to congratulate all of them on their achievements, especially the winners of the course awards.

He hoped they enjoyed their time at Sparsholt and thanked them for the contributions they have made to the Sparsholt community. He said: “You have benefited from a first-rate education which will open many doors for you. Use it well and continue with individual thought and always give your best with commitment and tenacity.”