Class of 2020 and 2021 Graduation

   

   

Zoe Butler is a senior lecturer in practice development and primary care nurse, and she was the recipient of the Nursing Times, Student Nurse of the Year award 2017. During lockdown, Zoe undertook an MSc Practice Development and a PGCE to ‘keep busy’.

She joined the classes of 2020 and 2021 – including some of her own students - in graduating from these programmes during ceremonies at Carlisle Cathedral last week.

They included Jamie Chacko and Michelle Hudson, some of Zoe’s assistance practitioner in health and social foundation degree students, who have been able to progress into higher education through the apprenticeship route, completing their programmes whilst working in local nursing homes.

Zoe, also wrote the People, Place and Partnership poem which was published in the back of the commemorative graduation programme which was shared with attendees throughout the week.

The poem was written during lockdown as a representation of the university’s community during the pandemic and to signify what everyone has been through over the last two years.

Watch Zoe recite her poem People, Place and Partnership here.

As the classes of 2020 and 2021 join our growing University of Cumbria Alumni Association, a special honour has been bestowed upon a former student who is recognised nationally and by her peers in her chosen field - education.

Kerryann Wilson is the recipient of our university’s Alumnus of the Year 2021 Award, which recognises former students who have demonstrated professional success which reflect the vision and values of our institution.

Inspired to become a teacher from her own positive experiences growing up in West Cumbria, Kerryann is now sharing her passion for learning with future generations as vice principal of Energy Coast UTC, Cumbria’s only university technical college for 14-19 year olds.

She entered the teaching profession 11 years ago, having completed her PGCE in English with Media and Drama with us in 2011. She continued to progress to complete a Masters in Education, graduating in 2013, followed by specialist leadership National Professional Qualifications that supports the professional development of teachers and school leaders.

An English specialist, Kerryann’s impact on her students, peers and community has led to her receiving the Gold Pearson National Teaching Award in 2021, being named ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School’. She was also shortlisted for ‘English Teacher of the Year’ in the 2020 Times Education Supplement Awards; and in October 2018 was named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at Cumbria’s Golden Apple Awards.

Watch Kerryann talk about her Alumnus of the Year Award here.

Charlotte Hey, BA Working with Children and Families graduate, was recipient of a new prize dedicated in memory Caroline Larmour. Caroline, a much loved member of the BSc (Hons) Child and Family Studies academic team, sadly passed away in 2020. This award is dedicated to her and Charlotte who was taught by Caroline was awarded the Outstanding Creativity in a Community Setting prize for her dissertation which involved working with children with special needs on a Cumbrian farm. Since finishing her course, Charlotte has secured a job working as a teaching assistant at a school in Ennerdale and she plans to stay living and working in Cumbria.

After her graduation ceremony, Charlotte had her photo taken with members of Caroline Larmour's family and her personal tutor, Dr Tracy Hayes, as well as Chancellor, Stephen Cottrell.​​​​​​​

Graduation in the press

Graduation week received a lot of attention from the local press, you can see all the coverage HERE.

Graduation image gallery

The best bits of graduation week were captured by our photographer, you can see all the images HERE. Tag yourself and all your friends.

Procession videos

There were 17 graduation ceremonies throughout the week and we caught every single procession and every single graduand on video. Find your procession video in our Youtube playlist HERE.

Prize Winners 2020 and 2021