The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) welcomed back onto campus former agriculture students to celebrate their academic achievements.
Staff at Greenmount Campus, Antrim were delighted to be able to organise a series of smaller celebration events to mark graduations for the Classes of 2020 and 2021.
Students from Level 2, Level 3, Foundation and Honours Degree Agriculture and Land-based Engineering courses were applauded by family and friends as they marked the completion of their full-time and part-time courses.
Dr Eric Long, Head of CAFRE Education Service commented: “Graduation is the highlight of our academic calendar, and is a fitting conclusion to a period of hard work and commitment by all of you. It was immensely disappointing for everyone that we were not able to hold our graduation ceremonies in June over the last two years. However this makes our ceremonies even more special allowing us the opportunity to celebrate your achievements.”
Mr Manus McHenry, Head of Agriculture Education praised the students saying: “Despite unprecedented challenges and restrictions, you have adapted. Throughout history it has not always been the biggest or strongest that have survived … but those who have been the most flexible. You have shown your resilience. We are proud of your achievements and commitment and you have developed steadily and matured as your course progressed.”
Dr Eric Long urged graduates to: “Continue to learn and develop new skills. We live in a highly competitive world, where the pace of change and the intensity of competition are never slow. You will need to keep abreast of new technologies and avail of opportunities in order to succeed. As a college we are delighted that we too are investing in the future of new entrants to the agri-food industry with the announcement earlier this year of investment and redevelopment plans at Greenmount Campus.”
In concluding Mr McHenry commented: “The academic performance of CAFRE students graduating is a clear indication of the calibre of people attracted to a career in agri-food. Our industry can look forward with a positive outlook knowing there is a pool of talented CAFRE graduates out there.”
If you know of someone who is interested agricultural or environmental courses or land-based engineering opportunities applications visit the college website for more information.
Keep up-to-date with activities on campus by following DiscoverCAFRE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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