Graduation 2011: The students

Posted 28 September 2011

More than 600 students graduated from Harper Adams last week during a special ceremony.

Here is a selection talking about their time at the University College and what the future holds for Harper's newest graduates.

Watch the video to find out more. Warning - large file size.

Text version follows:

Graduation 2011: The Students. 

Graduation was a memorable day for the class of 2011. It was a beautiful sunny day on campus, and our students were basking in their success. We talked to a few of our graduates about their favourite memories of life as a Harper student and their future career paths and aspirations. 

Simon King who graduated with honours in BSc Agricultural and Environmental Management.  He told us that he is currently working as an Assistant Farm Manager for J Worton Agriculture in Lincolnshire. “I’ll hopefully be taking [the business] over in a few years”, he told us, confident in his achievements.

Calum Evans, 24, from Ayrshire beamed with joy when we spoke to him after the Graduation ceremony.  “Four years culminating in one day,” he said, “It’s got to be emotional.” Having completed his degree in Agricultural Engineering, Calum has already secured a six-month contract in New Zealand. He hopes to combine his work overseas with some travelling around Australia and America, before returning to Britain to find work in the engineering sector. 

Bethan Watkins, former president of Welsh student society Harper Cymru, had numerous fond memories to recall. Bethan said she had really enjoyed her four years at Harper Adams. Having graduated in Agri-Food Marketing with Business Studies, she is now gaining some valuable work experience at Darts Farm, in Devon. The farm shop, which is a constantly evolving business, specialises in locally-sourced produce. 

Stephen Mansbridge attained a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture. During his time at Harper he joined the Aimhigher Associates programme, helping young students into higher education. Stephen isn’t leaving yet though.  He has plans to complete a PHD, giving him another three years at Harper Adams.

Tom Pocklington, BSc (Hons)Countryside and Environmental Management, was more than excited for a reunion with his friends and fellow graduates. “It’s only been a couple of months, but coming back and seeing all the friendly faces again has been really nice,” he said after the ceremony. Slightly diversifying from the environmental side to his degree, Tom is now working for Arundel Kerr Produce on their graduate training scheme. 

Tom Woolman, 23, from Sailsbury, achieved a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture and Land Farm Management. Among his long list of highlights, Tom told us that Freshers’ week was by far his most treasured memory of his time at Harper. Tom has secured a job offer as a result of his placement year at poultry company PD Hook. 

Alison Provis, former Student Union treasurer, graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management. As she reminisced about her time at Harper, she said the social life at the university had given her many amusing memories. “Organising the Christmas and Summer Balls was exciting stuff,” she said. Like many other Harper Adams graduates, she has managed to secure a full-time job offer from her year in industry. Alison now works as an Assistant Land Agent at Bidwells in Kings Langley. 

Cheryl Howard attained BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management. She told us that graduation had been an emotional day. “It’s a bit sad because it’s the last time we’ll all be together,” she said, as she remembered her highlights of life as a Harper Adams student. Currently Cheryl is working full time at Haywood Veterinary Centre, where she spent her placement year.  

Finally, Jonny Bruce who graduated in Engineering Design and Development. Freshers’ Week was, yet again, voted as one of Jonny’s highlights of time at Harper Adams. Currently he is working as an engineer for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) which is part of the MOD, near London.