Darlington graduates show their love of learning

Valentine’s Day will be an extra special occasion for graduates who studied for Teesside University qualifications at Darlington College.

Over 100 graduates and 331 guests will gather at Darlington’s Civic Theatre on Monday 14 February to celebrate their successes in a joint Teesside University and Darlington College graduation ceremony. The graduates achieved their academic awards at the £2m University’s Centre within Darlington College. Their diverse awards will include Foundation Degrees in Journalism, Higher National Certificates in Mechatronics and BA (Hons) degrees in Business Management. In addition, some graduates will be awarded Darlington College Higher Level Professional qualifications. The Valentine's Day ceremony is the fourth annual graduation to take place in the town and the last before Teesside University opens its new £13m campus in Darlington this summer. The £13m five-storey campus building, currently under construction, is located beside Darlington College’s buildings in Central Park off Haughton Road. Teesside University and Darlington College are working together to bring new and exciting higher education opportunities to the town of Darlington.

The build has been funded by the University, One North East, via Tees Valley Unlimited and Darlington Council and is closely supported by Darlington College.

Celebrating the success of our graduates Graduates will receive their awards from the University’s Chancellor, Lord Sawyer of Darlington. The ceremony will be attended by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Henderson, Darlington College’s Principal Tim Grant, Darlington’s Mayor Councillor Bryan Thistlethwaite and senior members of the University, Darlington College and Borough Council. Professor Henderson said: ‘I am delighted that we will be holding our fourth academic awards ceremony in Darlington later this month, and I am very much looking forward to celebrating the success of our graduates and sharing with them and their guests our plans for the future development of the University in Darlington.

‘This year’s ceremonies will be particularly special, coming in the year that the first phase of our new Darlington campus nears completion and we look forward to being able to provide more higher education opportunities for learning in Darlington in the years ahead.’

Tim Grant added: ‘This ceremony is not only a tribute to the hard work of the graduates receiving an award, but also the support they have received from family and friends, the expertise and dedication of College teaching staff and the commitment of Teesside University to supporting the college and the economic and social development of the town.’

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