Students recognised in online ceremony

Families, friends, lecturers and local elected members tuned in to the online event on Thursday 29 October to celebrate the hard work, commitment and success of the class of 2020.

Graduate At Home was hosted on the college’s Youtube and social media channels and some graduates hired a graduation gown to recognise the occasion.

Videos included speeches from the college principal, Jackie Galbraith, Chair of the Board of Governors, Alex Linkston and guest speaker, former graduate and author, Aidan Martin.

Fiona Hyslop MSP announced the six winners of the Student of the Year awards.

Local politicians Angela Constance MSP, Neil Findlay MSP, Fiona Hyslop MSP and Hannah Bardell MP shared messages of congratulations, and lecturers and the Student Association President warmly congratulated graduates.

The principal presented the West Lothian College Ambassador Award to John McGee for the extensive support he has given to students and staff at the college over the last year.

Jackie Galbraith, Principal of West Lothian College said:

“Graduation is special and we wanted to celebrate it in style despite Covid19 restrictions. This year’s graduates are part of the generation of students that kept going through a worldwide pandemic and a lockdown that closed society as we knew it.

"Overnight, they coped with a complete shift from face-to-face teaching to remote online learning, and achieved their qualification during the most difficult period that any of us has ever had to deal with. I could not be more proud of our talented graduates and wish them well for their future.”

The event was sponsored by Adline Personalised Products, Curries Print Centre, West Lothian Council - Business Gateway, Morrison Construction, First East Scotland, DYW West Lothian and JL Com.