Write a comment
A Newry woman with four decades of teaching behind her has been honoured at a major further education ceremony, with students and staff from Southern Regional College also picking up a string of awards on the night.
Una Fitzpatrick, an Associate Lecturer in Hairdressing at Southern Regional College, received the recognition award for her exceptional lifetime contributions to Further Education at the Further Education Excellence Awards, held at the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown on Thursday 4 June.
A second lifetime contribution award was also presented to Technician Demonstrator Stephen McDowell, based at the college's Banbridge campus, who was unable to attend on the night.
The event, now in its second year, saw Northern Ireland's six further education colleges celebrate the accomplishments of students and staff. Almost 50 students were recognised on the evening, with categories covering the full range of learning pathways, from introductory and supported learning to apprenticeships, higher education and lifelong learning.
Among the Southern Regional College students honoured were Jack Walker and Leah McBride in the Entry Level Study category, Beauty Therapy student Ayda Murray for Excellence in a Traineeship Programme, and Media student Emily Bagnall for Advanced Learning. Electrotechnical apprentice Jonathan Gough received the Excellence in Apprenticeship Training award and is currently preparing to represent Northern Ireland and the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Engineering student Ross Graham received the Higher Level Apprenticeship Award, Sport and Exercise Honours Degree student Shana Murphy was recognised for Excellence in Higher Education, and Lynn Rees received the Lifelong Learning Award for achievements on the CIPD Level 7 in Strategic People Management.
Guests were welcomed by further education student Kate Grant, a model and advocate from Cookstown who made history in 2018 by becoming the first model with Down's syndrome to win an international beauty title.
The ceremony was opened by Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy, Janis Scallon, who said the sector plays a vital role in economic and social progress.
Lee Campbell, Principal at Southern Regional College, said: "I am delighted to see our students recognised at these awards. From apprentices excelling on the national and international stage to learners achieving outstanding success in their chosen fields, their achievements reflect the talent, ambition and determination that exists across Southern Regional College."
Paying tribute to the two lifetime honourees, Campbell added: "It is a privilege to also recognise our colleagues Una and Stephen for their lifetime contribution to further education. Throughout their careers, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our learners and the values that underpin Southern Regional College. Their dedication, professionalism, and passion have positively impacted countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the classroom."
