Between 20 – 22 November last year over 1,000 students graduated at Carlisle Cathedral and were welcomed into the alumni association. We sent our final year Journalism student, Rosina Kermani, to the Tithe Barn where the graduands were gowning up to get some stories.
Captain Penelope-Jayne Palmer-Taylor, who studied for a Masters in Theology, was among the many graduands celebrating. "To complete my masters, it took me several years because of reasons such as ill health." Penelope-Jayne said that the course was a hard slog, but she’s done it now with the help and support of family and friends, and her husband by her side.
"I received a great deal of support from tutors and support staff. I’d like to thank Joe Smith, the student support services. Also, Dr Richard Borne who helped with my dissertation; he was a very patient and understanding man. I’d like to also thank Dr Karl Moeller, the Theology course leader."
Captain Penelope-Jayne now works as Minister of Religion in the Salvation Army who financed her studies. Penelope-Jayne told me: "I lost my mum recently and I know she’d be very proud of me. She was at my first graduation, so today I am wearing a brooch for her. She’s in my heart."
Louise Mothersdale was graduating with a degree in Graphic Design, she said: "I’ve made some amazing friends along the way. Some are my best friends today." Her family were all in the Cathedral; her mum, dad and sister, and they, like all the other families, were so proud and happy with smiles seen on every face. Louise said: "I feel very nervous and excited, but a little sick." Louise is now working full-time as a graphic designer in York.
Lauren Griffin who also studied Graphic Design stated, "I loved the way my course came together in the third year. We were given the freedom to explore our individual talents, so we could work how we wanted." Lauren told me: "I started working as a graphic designer in July. I’m working in Hull, just across the bridge from where my home is in Cleethorpes." When I asked Lauren how she felt about graduating, she laughed: "I’m scared my cap will fall off!"
Graduand Katie Roberts said, "I’m very happy to see everyone. We’ve not seen each other for a while, so it’s a nice opportunity to catch-up." Now working for Fat Media in Lancaster after gaining a first in Graphic Design she said she really enjoyed her course at university: "It was a small course so everyone knew everyone and we could help each other out." She added: "Because the course was kept small we also got to know the tutors well."
Graduation is an emotional time for families and friends, and tears even came to my eyes. I thought about myself graduating next year, and how I would be venturing along a new path, just like these graduates today.
Want to see more pictures from the November 2013 ceremonies? Visit our Alumni Facebook page to see all the photos we took of the three days of ceremonies.
Wednesday 20 November
Thursday 21 November
Friday 22 November
Article
Rosina Kermani, final year BA (Hons) Journalism
Photography
Kevin Nobin, Kevin Nobin Photography, BA (Hons) Photography, class of 2011
Lee Boswell, Lee Boswell Photography
