Celebrating Higher Education Graduations at CAFRE
July 2, 2024
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) celebrated Higher Education Graduations at a ceremony at Greenmount Campus, Antrim. The event brought together degree students from across the three campuses of Enniskillen, Greenmount and Loughry, to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024.
Martin McKendry, College Director welcomed Andrew Muir MLA, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, who was the Guest Speaker and Katrina Godfrey, the Department Agriculture, Environment Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Permanent Secretary, who Chaired the event.
Mr McKendry remarked: “CAFRE has long established strategic partnerships with Northern Ireland universities, and today we are delighted to welcome Dr Simon Doherty, from Queen’s University Belfast and Professor Carole Curran, Ulster University to celebrate the successes of our CAFRE students”.
Graduation Day is the highlight of the academic calendar which recognises the work and commitment of CAFRE students, and staff alike. Mr McKendry addressed the students saying,
“I hope you enjoyed your time at CAFRE and are now looking forward to a fantastic career within your chosen sector. None of us can predict the future, but we know developments in science and technology will influence your careers offering new opportunities. The education which you have received at CAFRE will place you in a very strong position to compete successfully and play your part in the development of a prosperous and sustainable agri-food and rural industry.”
Mr McKendry encouraged the graduates to consider their Graduation as a stepping-stone on their path of knowledge and learning and another milestone in their academic career. He urged them to continue to learn and to develop themselves to help distinguish them from their peers.
The ceremony celebrated the graduation from the first cohorts of the new online Certificate of Higher Education in Equine Science and Management course. This course offers learners the flexibility of online study, which can be completed from anywhere in the world. The College was delighted to welcome Katharina Fenkner who travelled from Germany to receive her Certificate in Higher Education in Equine Science and Management.
CAFRE as a knowledge-centric organisation is well placed to support those working in the agri-food and rural sectors. CAFRE’s uniqueness is demonstrated by the fact, that some of the graduates began their CAFRE journey as a 16-year-old, studying on a Level 2 or Level 3 course, and have now qualified with Higher Education BSc (Honours) Degree or Master’s Degree qualifications.
In his closing remarks, Mr McKendry urged the graduates to not only celebrate their accomplishments today but also throughout their careers. He emphasised the importance of staying connected with each other and the College through the CAFRE Alumni, and to take pride in their achievements as CAFRE is extremely proud of their successes.