South Eastern Regional College (SERC) recognised exceptional student achievement during its Higher Education Graduation Ceremony 2026, presenting a series of Student Excellence Awards to graduates who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, resilience, leadership and commitment to their communities.
The awards, nominated by tutors and adjudicated by college staff, celebrate students who have excelled in their studies while making a positive impact both within SERC and beyond.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Gary Ritchie, Deputy Principal Curriculum at SERC, congratulated all award recipients and praised their determination, achievements and contributions to SERC, highlighting the positive impact they have made within their programmes, communities and future professions.
The School of Arts and Sport Excellence Award was jointly awarded to Linda Lindsay and Kate Rourke , both graduates of the VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Reflexology for the Complementary Therapist - presented by Cate Conway, BBC Radio Ulster.
Linda (from Newtownabbey) was recognised for her exceptional commitment to her studies while balancing employment and family responsibilities as a single mother of three. She was also commended for volunteering her reflexology services at the Chest Heart and Stroke Unit at Antrim Area Hospital.
Kate (from Downpatrick) was recognised for her dedication to supporting fellow students and staff throughout her course and for volunteering at Daisy Lodge, where she provides therapies to young people and families affected by cancer.
The School of Built Environment Excellence Award sponsored by Energy Store Ltd, was presented to Jason Hamilton, who achieved a Distinction in his Pearson BTEC HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (Building Services Engineering), by Cate Conway, BBC Radio Ulster.
Jason (from Bangor) was recognised for his exceptional commitment and perseverance, self-funding his education while working full-time and running his own business. Unable to attend the ceremony, the award was accepted on his behalf by Deputy Head of School, Simon Cummings.
The School of Business, Health and Hospitality Excellence Award, sponsored by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), was awarded to Tom Idiculla - presented by Dave Murley, CMI.
Tom (from Craigavon) was recognised for his outstanding academic performance, achieving a Distinction in his Foundation Degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (Validated by Ulster University). He was commended for mentoring fellow students and for his professionalism and leadership in his role at the Titanic Hotel.
The School of Engineering and Science Excellence Award was presented to Gerard Gallagher, who completed a Foundation Degree in Mechatronic Engineering (Validated by Ulster University), by Cate Conway, BBC Radio Ulster.
Gerard (from Belfast) received multiple nominations and was recognised for overcoming personal and economic challenges while excelling academically, securing a paid work placement and contributing positively to college life.
The Business Support, Innovation and Partnerships Student of the Year Award, sponsored by Action Renewables, was jointly awarded to Terry Burns and Jocelyn McBride, and presented by Lana Moore, Action Renewables.
Terry (from Belfast) achieved the IMI Award Level 5 Diploma in Automotive Management and was recognised for balancing study, family responsibilities and a busy professional career while making a significant contribution to class learning.
Jocelyn (from Ballynahinch), who completed the Level 4 Award in Social Media and Digital Marketing, was commended for embracing her return to education, demonstrating resilience and sharing her extensive professional experience to enrich learning for her classmates.
The Higher Level Apprentice of the Year Award was presented to Grace Dugan, who achieved a Distinction in her Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts (Validated by The Open University), by Cate Conway, BBC Radio Ulster.
Grace (from Belfast) was recognised as an exceptional role model and mentor, as well as for her success in hospitality skills competitions and her recent promotion to Head Pastry Chef at the Culloden Hotel and Spa.
The Students’ Union Higher Education Class Representative of the Year Award was presented to Ellie Doherty, by Cate Conway, BBC Radio Ulster.
Ellie (from Portaferry) was recognised for serving as Class Representative for three consecutive years, ensuring student voices were heard through participation in meetings, focus groups and student representative activities while supporting and encouraging her fellow students.
The Ishihara Award for Outstanding Higher Education Engineering Student, sponsored by SIAS, was presented to Joshua Kinnon, by Deborah Hoggett, SIAS.
Joshua (from Carrickfergus) achieved a Distinction in his Foundation Degree in Mechatronic Engineering and recorded the highest final-year grade average among students graduating from the programme. He was also recognised for supporting classmates and delivering an outstanding workplace-based final-year project.
The Open University Student of the Year Award was presented to Grace Dugan, by Michael Bower, The Open University.
In addition to her academic excellence, Grace was recognised for an impressive list of achievements, including national culinary competition successes and her contribution to a gold medal-winning team at the Royal Navy Cook and Serve Competition.
The prestigious Emily J Connor Award for outstanding achievement in Business Studies was awarded to Ellie Doherty, by Cate Conway, BBC Radio Ulster.
Ellie was recognised for her academic excellence, leadership, contribution to student life and participation in international study opportunities through Erasmus and Turing-funded programmes. She was also praised for her entrepreneurial ambition and aspirations to establish her own business within the beauty industry.
Congratulations to all our Higher Education Award recipients.
