A woman who is the first in her family to get a degree at the age of 57 is among more than 170 students celebrating their graduation day.  

St Edmundsbury Cathedral hosted the annual University Studies at West Suffolk College (USWSC) graduation ceremony on Saturday. 

A total of 179 students graduated in a range of subjects and courses – 45 with first class honours and 54 gained either an HND or HNC qualification.

Bury Mercury: Students from University Studies at West Suffolk College celebrate on their graduation day. Students from University Studies at West Suffolk College celebrate on their graduation day. (Image: West Suffolk College)

Bury Mercury: Ellie Parker with Dr Nikos SavvasEllie Parker with Dr Nikos Savvas (Image: West Suffolk College)

Among them was Ellie Parker, 21, from Bury St Edmunds, who is postal worker and now has a first class degree in business and management. 

Ellie said: “I chose University Studies at West Suffolk College as I wanted to stay local – it was Bury or not at all.

“I’m currently working at a Post Office in Bury which I greatly enjoy, that said, I am looking for the next challenge in my career, where I can utilise all the skills learnt during my studies.

“Outside of work I love baking – so a dream for me would be to open up a bakery – or go on The Great British Bake Off.

“I never thought university would be for me as I’m such a home person – but I’m proud I did it and wouldn’t rule out further study in the future."

It was not just the graduates filled with pride, but also family members. 

Bury Mercury: Angela Mcgarry with her mum and dad David and Christine Watts Angela Mcgarry with her mum and dad David and Christine Watts (Image: West Suffolk College)

Angela Mcgarry, 57, was watched on by her proud parents David and Christine Watts as she picked up her first class honours in English and history.

The Acton resident returned to education after previously attending West Suffolk College aged 16 and went on to teach other teaching assistants. 

She is the first in her family to get a degree. 

The 57-year-old said: “I went back and did a degree as like many other people during Covid I re-evaluated my life and wondered if I had a degree in me.

“Initially it was hard – I hadn’t written an essay since school – but the lecturers nurtured us.

“Outside of getting married and having children this is the best thing I have done in my life. It’s been life changing. It has felt like a veil has been lifted and you get to see the world in a different way.

“I’m now going to do a masters in history and after that – I’m not sure what the future will hold. I often used to joke at university that I’m not sure what I want to do when I grow up."

Angela’s mum, Christine Watts said: “I could burst with pride – I really could.”

Bury Mercury: Robin Herne - University Studies at West Suffolk College leads the procession into the cathedral.Robin Herne - University Studies at West Suffolk College leads the procession into the cathedral. (Image: West Suffolk College)

Bury Mercury: Peter Hooper said getting his degree has helped his self confidencePeter Hooper said getting his degree has helped his self confidence (Image: West Suffolk College)

For several of the students, the degrees have given them more confidence, with 44-year-old Peter Hooper saying he felt "35 years of self-doubt flake away". 

Chloe Bailey-Howlett, from Newmarket, earned first class honours in early childhood studies.

Bury Mercury: Peter Howlett with his daughter Chloe Bailey-Howlett who won an outstanding achievement award Peter Howlett with his daughter Chloe Bailey-Howlett who won an outstanding achievement award (Image: West Suffolk College)

She said: “Leaving school was the best thing I could have done. College was so different and everyone was so supportive.

“I feel like I’ve grown since I’ve been here. As part of the course we have to get work placements and I’ve managed a job to get at the place where I trained.

“Overall, I’ve enjoyed it at the college but it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had mental health issues, struggled with anxiety, had depression and battled an eating disorder. But being in the college environment has been amazing. There was never a moment where you felt you couldn’t talk to anyone."

During the ceremonies, Dr Nikos Savvas, Gina Long MBE and The Very Reverend Joe Hawes Dean of St Edmundsbury gave speeches. 

Bury Mercury: The very Revd Joe Hawes looks on as Dr Nikos Savvas gives his addressThe very Revd Joe Hawes looks on as Dr Nikos Savvas gives his address (Image: West Suffolk College)

Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO of the Eastern Education Group, praised the students' resilience and tenacity. 

He said: "These are individuals who want to go on and help themselves, support our community, and create opportunity – and the qualifications, connections, and character strengths that they have worked tirelessly to gain will be a fantastic platform from which they can open doors. Education is a gift and should be cherished. I am immensely proud of everyone here today.”

Bury Mercury: Danilo Francisco and Cintia Francisco at the graduation ceremony.Danilo Francisco and Cintia Francisco at the graduation ceremony. (Image: West Suffolk College)

Bury Mercury: Ben Loft with his family. Ben Loft with his family. (Image: West Suffolk College)

Dr Elspeth Lees, Executive Dean of University Studies at West Suffolk College added: “It’s always an incredibly emotional time to see our students proudly step up to receive their degrees amidst the backdrop of the iconic Cathedral. A massive congratulations to everyone.”