Graduation day a joyful occasion for University Studies at West Suffolk College (USWSC)
It was a double cause for celebration today as 131 graduates attended the annual University Studies at West Suffolk College (USWSC) graduation ceremony.
With 2025 being Eastern Education Group and West Suffolk College’s centenary year (USWSC is part of Eastern Education Group), there was even more reason for celebration.
Students succeeded in a range of subjects and courses ranging from computing to construction and English to engineering.
• 58 picked up degree certificates with 17 receiving first class honours.
• 39 people got HND, HNC, CertHE and DipHE qualifications.
• 28 received higher apprenticeships and six got executive assistant level four qualifications.
Dr Nikos Savvas DL, CEO of Eastern Education Group, comprising outstanding colleges and schools from across the Eastern region, said: “I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our students.
“To be graduating in our centenary year is something truly special. This celebration reflects the very best of our community — learners of all ages and backgrounds, from degree students to apprentices, achieving together.
“Their success is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the support of families, and the strength of Eastern Education Group’s partnerships.
“Our graduates of 2025 are leaving us with the skills and determination to shape not only their own lives, but the world around them.’’
In an emotional speech he went on to reflect on some amazing achievements.
They included the story of Debbie Balfour, 48, from Stowupland who went from cutting hair to a counselling degree and gained a first. Debbie has already found employment and wants to do a PhD in the future.
Debbie completed a degree in Integrative Counselling at University Studies at West Suffolk College, graduating with first-class honours.
She also received an award for the best dissertation across all students at University Studies during the 2024/25 academic year.
Debbie said: “At school I was encouraged down an academic route, with little focus on vocational or creative careers.
“Later in life, I discovered how much I valued those paths. After A levels, I joined Lloyds Bank on a graduate scheme but eventually retrained as a hairdresser. I went on to run my own salon for 17 years, employing staff and training school leavers.
“That gave me a strong sense of community and communication, and I could see the overlap with counselling.
“People tell hairdressers things they don’t tell anyone else. During Covid, when the salon was closed, clients continued to contact me — not for a haircut, but because they wanted to talk.
“I began my degree as I moved away from the business. As a counselling student, we explored philosophy, and something that has stayed with me from that module is Søren Kierkegaard’s observation that, while life can only be understood backwards, it must be lived forwards.
“That process of ‘understanding’ was greatly supported by the smaller class sizes at University Studies, which allowed for intimate and thoughtful reflection in a trusted, safe environment.
“Returning to education, I aimed to improve with each piece of work. I really enjoy learning, particularly about the human experience and how we see ourselves and others in the world.
“For me, it is all about communication and community. A core element of the course was developing self-awareness, as only by understanding ourselves can we truly support others.
“When I found out I’d achieved a first, I cried. My dissertation, ‘Bridging the Gap: Using an Integrative Framework to Address the Dual Impact of Grief and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Young Adults’, was awarded 88 per cent. The fact I’ve been recognised for it is incredible.
“Now I’ve finished the degree, I’m working at a local hospice offering grief counselling, as well as at a specialist school for boys with social, emotional, and communication needs, where I practise as a psychotherapist.
“Graduation felt exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure. Looking ahead, I hope to continue developing my work on grief and autism — and one day, I’d love to take my dissertation forward into PhD study.”
Harry Bentley, 23, from Bury St Edmunds gained a first. He then travelled to America over the summer as a football coach and one day he would love to secure a position working for his beloved Nottingham Forest Football Club.
Harry said: “I chose University Studies at West Suffolk College because I wanted to stay local - and they have got a really good set up in Bury and the support you get is great.
“Talking to my mates who went to university (away from Bury), they always said it’s so hard getting in touch with your tutor. But for us, whenever you wanted help, you got it. My teachers made it easy.
“As part of the degree you have to do a certain amount of work experience – however because of my work (coaching football with young people), this covered the requirements of the course.
“Looking back now on the degree, I think it’s a good course to do – it’s very broad and it covers everything. It wasn’t easy – but it was very well directed - and I had a very good experience.
“When I finished, I travelled to America this summer and worked at various summer camps. I trained youngsters all morning - then in the afternoon you would play games in a mini World Cup.
“We also ran skills competitions. I went to Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Michigan and we did get to do other things after work like water skiing.
“I was representing a company called Ongoal and they looked after us. We got free accommodation and food.
“In terms of what is next, I want to become a teacher. So, I will work in a school, get my teaching qualification and earn a salary. That is the plan.
“My ultimate dream is to become a coach at Nottingham Forest – the team I support. I’d love that.”
His mum Sarah said, “Harry was written off at school and now he has proved everyone wrong. I never thought he would get a first. It’s amazing.”
Another student, Maria Costa De Sousa, 23, from East Harling in Norfolk, also got a first in sociology and criminology with University Studies.
Maria said: “I got a first-class honours degree and that made me happy and proud. I chose to go to Bury because it offered the degree I wanted to take and Bury is only about half an hour away from where I live – so it worked out well.
“The interest for the course started in high school when I studied sociology. Then, during lockdown I started to get into true crime documentaries so ended up combining the two subjects for my degree.
“My ultimate dream is to be a private investigator, but I know I still have a lot of work ahead of me to build the experience and credentials needed for that.
“So at the moment, that’s been put on the backburner. My plan is to work for the probation service. I have some interviews lined up.
“I’d say the university in Bury has a nice vibe – it feels cosy, relaxed and I enjoyed my time there. The teachers have time for you. It was excellent and it pushed me.
“In the future I would like to do a Masters at Cambridge University. You have to dream big. But for now, I just want to start my career.
“After this (graduation) we are going out for a big lunch, we are going to celebrate as today is my birthday – as well as being the day I graduate.”
Alfie Wilson, 22, from Haverhill, studied on a games development degree and won an additional award at the graduation ceremony for showing significant academic improvement during his course.
Alfie said: “I started off at West Suffolk College doing computing level two. Then I moved onto games design for two more years. Then I did a three-year degree and I have successfully passed my course.
“The best thing was making connections, meeting other creative people and going to games development sessions with others - we had lots of networking opportunities whilst doing the degree.
“At the moment, I have decided that I want to be a 3D artist, improve my skills and start a career. I’m currently working night shifts for a large national restaurant chain whilst working as an artist in the day - and my dream is to get recognition for my work.
“I’d say University Studies at West Suffolk College is really good – I had a little trouble learning (throughout education) - but there was always people there to support me at both my time at the college and university. And students were very supportive as well.
“It feels good graduating - and I feel I have achieved something big in my life.
“To sum up, I’d say my time at university was good because it was a big opportunity for me to express my creativity and build up my confidence.”
Laraine Moody, group principal university and professional development, at West Suffolk College gave a ceremonial address.
She said: “Our graduation ceremony has to be one of my favourite moments in our annual calendar and this year was no exception.
“To see the joy on the faces of our students, their families and loved ones during this ceremony at the cathedral during our centenary year, was life affirming. A massive congratulations to everyone."
Dr Julia Firmin (the Eastern Education Group academic resources advisor) was the master of ceremonies, and the Very Revd Joe Hawes also gave a blessing.
Professor Julian Blow, pro vice-chancellor (research and innovation), University of East Anglia conferred all degrees.
This year an honorary degree was given to James Taylor, the chairman of TMJ Interiors.
On receiving the accolade, Mr Taylor said: “It’s an honour to be recognised with this degree and to be part of an event that brings together such distinguished individuals.
“I’m especially thankful to our people, whose dedication continues to drive our success. Once an apprentice myself, it brings me pride to see young talent begin their careers at TMJ Interiors and evolve into various roles across the business."
After the ceremony, guests and graduates mingled with staff, friends and families in the gardens of the cathedral.
In addition to students having their academic awards conferred, four prizes were presented to students who were nominated by tutors for their outstanding achievements during their studies.
The awards were as follows. Outstanding dissertation: Debbie Balfour. Exemplary Academic Achievement: Bradley Moore. Outstanding Academic Progress: Alfie Wilson. Outstanding Personal Progress: Katie Jacobs.