400 students celebrate UCBC graduation success

Around 400 students celebrate their success at the University Centre at Blackburn College graduation. 

Hundreds of students donned gaps and gowns as they turned out for the University Centre at Blackburn College’s 2022 graduation ceremonies. 

Around 400 students turned out to celebrate their successes at three graduation ceremonies held on Tuesday at King George’s Hall held at 11am, 2.30pm and 5.30pm for students.  

Drummers began the procession which started at the University Centre, led by college university partners from Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire and the University of South Wales.  

They were met by graduands who joined the procession at Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre before making their way to King George’s Hall, where they received their degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, professional qualifications and postgraduate degrees. 

The College’s Leadership Team and Corporation Board were also in attendance along with the Mayor of Blackburn, Councillor Suleman Khonat, with guests were treated to a special performance by Blackburn Children’s University Choir. 

Principal and Chief Executive Dr Fazal Dad said: “Graduation is a very special day, not just for those graduating, but for their families and friends who join in celebrating their successes with them.  

“I would like to congratulate all the students on their fantastic achievement, which represents the culmination of their hard work over the past few years. Praise also goes to staff at the University Centre for their dedication, commitment and professionalism in helping our students to fulfil their potential.” 

Karolina Rokita, 35, from Blackburn gained a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation, during her time studying at the University Centre at Blackburn College she worked with Unit 2 Games, which is owned by tech giant Meta - Facebook’s parent company, where she developed games. 

As part of her work for Unit 2 Games she took part in filming a video trailer for the launch of the Crayta platform on Facebook Gaming with Mark Zuckerberg when Crayta was launched. 

She said: “Coming to the University Centre at Blackburn College has changed my life, it has been the best decision I ever made.  

“I have really enjoyed coming here, it has been a great experience; I’ve learnt so much and made lots of new friends. I’m extremely grateful for the support and encouragement provided by my tutors throughout the course. 

“Graduating has been fantastic; the ceremony was really nice, and the procession was a real moment of pride.”