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One hundred and sixty seven graduates who studied a higher education qualification at Southern Regional College, gathered in the Armagh City Hotel on Friday 30 August 2024 to be officially conferred with their hard earned qualifications. An additional 400 guests, comprising of SRC’s governing body and staff and graduate’s family and friends were also in attendance to witness the fantastic achievement of the class of 2024.
Special guests of honour at graduation were Economy Minister Mr Conor Murphy and guest speaker Miss Rebecca McKinney.
Minister Murphy provided the official welcome to all in attendance at this high profile ceremony saying:
“I was delighted to attend the higher education graduation ceremony for higher education learners at Southern Regional College.
“A thriving higher education sector, with access available through our further education colleges, is critical for a strong, regionally balanced economy which supports people into good jobs or further study.
“I congratulate everyone graduating and wish them every success for the future.”
Rebecca McKinney, well-known Cool FM breakfast presenter swopped the radio mic for the event mic to provide graduates with some valued advice as they embark on their careers saying:
“Learn how to fail. This might sound like a strange place to start, but I feel this is one of the most important things a person can go through. No one succeeds all the time, despite what you may see on TikTok or Instagram. We can learn something invaluable from every failure if we look for it. Reframe your failures as an opportunity for growth and you’ll go far.”
Rebecca continued with “Direction is more important than speed. We live in a world where everything is instant – fame, food, dating. We are constantly told that faster is better, burn out is normal and being busy to breaking point is the only way to succeed. I disagree. The goal is to arrive at the right place, even if it takes longer than expected.
“Congratulations all on your incredible achievements!”
Qualifications conferred included degrees, level 7 post graduate qualifications, foundation degrees and higher level diplomas and certificates. Those studying higher education at SRC are hugely committed to their studies with graduates travelling to SRC from as far afield as Ballycastle, Crumlin, Omagh and the Republic of Ireland alongside the huge numbers attending SRC living in the southern region.
Many of those graduating have already secured employment or are going onto even higher study, either at the College, or further afield.
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College spoke of her pride at the students’ achievements.
“It is with immense pride that I congratulate today’s graduates as they take one of life’s pivotal steps. I offer my warmest congratulations on their academic successes – the culmination of many years of dedication and hard work.
"Through significant effort and fortitude, our graduates have all achieved something remarkable and today we have had the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on those achievements.
"Learning is a lifelong journey and I urge our graduates to never stop seeking knowledge, embracing new challenges or striving to understand something new.
"I wish each and every one of the SRC graduates good fortune in their future endeavours. "
