The success of students at the University College Isle of Man was celebrated on Friday at the Villa Marina during the College’s annual Awards Ceremony. Sixty-three awards were presented during the evening to students who had achieved academic excellence, who had succeeded under difficult circumstances and for volunteering in the community.

In an opening address the Chief Minister Howard Quayle celebrated the opportunities available at UCM where students are offered the choice of a wide and diverse range of courses covering a number of subjects and skills. He went on to relate this to the needs of the Island’s economy and also to the fast moving jobs market, “In an ever changing world, UCM works to deliver courses that are relevant to the needs of the employer.” Mr Quayle congratulated all UCM’s students who have achieved this year, particularly those who were to receive awards during the evening.

The UCM Principal Jo Pretty similarly spoke about the need for young people to be adaptable and flexible in order to meet the needs of an expanding, technology driven world of work. She urged students to, “Keep developing, keep growing. Continue to build upon what you have started here today and be great ambassadors not only for the Isle of Man community, but for yourself”.  Not only did she congratulate students on their current success, she also looked to the future when they may meet again, “We want to continue to see you and support you in your lifelong journey and ask that you visit us again sometime”.

One student who deserves particular mention is Lee Chapman who accepted the BTEC L3 Business Award.  Lee not only won this internal recognition, but he was also highly commended in the BTEC International Student of the Year Award, a prestigious achievement.  The Principal said, “Lee’s commendation came in the ‘Business & Entrepreneurship Category’ and demonstrates an enthusiasm, commitment and ability of which he should be very proud.  UCM is pleased to celebrate with him.”

His Excellency the Governor, Sir Richard Gosney, was unable to attend the ceremony, instead he spoke to the audience of staff, students and their families and friends via a pre-recorded video message. As well as commending the winners on their awards, he noted UCM’s role in, “Fulfilling people’s wishes across a very wide range of educational and vocational interests”.

The Lucy Callow Memorial Award was presented to Koadie Garrett for her accomplishments in hairdressing. Lucy’s mother, Michelle Leeming, later commented how grateful she was to UCM for “Remembering and honouring Lucy’s memory with this award. It was so nice to hear a little about the students as they received their awards, they’ve all worked so hard and rightly deserved that recognition”.

UCM is currently recruiting students for courses starting in September; please contact the College on 01624 648200 for a copy of this year’s prospectus or visit the web site www.ucm.ac.im. Staff at UCM are always happy to advise on course options and career paths.