Special graduation ceremony at UHI Inverness celebrates Supported Education students

A special graduation ceremony full of smiles, hugs, cheers and a few tears was held at UHI Inverness to celebrate the Supported Education students.

The teaching team organised a graduation ceremony in the Lecture Theatre to celebrate the Skillsbuilder 1 and Skillsbuilder 2 part-time students who have completed their time at UHI Inverness. It was attended by families, friends, staff and students.

Steven Fitzgerald, Tina Morrison, Shelbie Carter, Scott Ross, Caitlin Wilson, Alix Barton, Iona Greasley, Hazel McDonald and Przemek Baczynski all received graduation scrolls.

Their lecturers Anne-Marie Wyeth and Lindsay MacLeod talked them through some of their ‘best bits’ during their time at UHI Inverness, which included positive comments from their classmates.

There was an extra round of applause for Alix when she was congratulated for progressing into independent living by moving into her own home and attending a community centre.

Tina Morrison, Laura MacDonald, Shelbie Carter (front) Scott Ross, Alix Barton, Caitlin Wilson and Steven Fitzgerald (back)

Alix Barton said: "I have enjoyed my course so much. The things I've learnt have helped me move into my own home recently. I can now do what activities I want, when I want, in my community. You've helped me make my dreams come true.”

Caitlin Wilson said: "I first came as a school pupil, I used to love my day in college. I have matured so much, I am proud of what I have achieved and the strong, confident person I have become. Thank you for helping me."  

Special awards were handed out to three students - Lindsay Bochel for thinking of others, Eleanor McKeown for being extra sunny and Roisin MacInnes for always doing her best. Continuing students received end-of-year certificates to celebrate their on-going engagement at UHI Inverness.

Lindsay Bochel

There was also a special surprise for lecturer Miles Fuller who was presented with a certificate from Depute Curriculum Leader Robyn Kennedy to mark his ‘graduation into retirement’. Miles originally started with Inverness College as Facilities Manager in 2003 and one of his tasks was to find the site for the new campus. Shortly afterwards he switched careers to become a lecturer, first in Sport and most recently in Supported Education, which he describes as a privilege. 

Miles Fuller

Robyn opened the ceremony by saying that it was the first time since 2019 that they had come together for a graduation.

She told the graduates: “It feels good to be back together, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all the parents, carers, support workers, lecturers and the learning assistants who have helped and supported the students during a very busy academic year.”

The ceremony concluded with the playing of a video of other Supported Education students singing ‘I can sing a rainbow’.

Some of the Supported Education team at UHI Inverness