Over 400 students were awarded certificates at the ifs School of Finance graduation ceremonies held at Central Hall in Westminster on Friday 11 April 2008.
At the morning ceremony, Gavin Shreeve, chief executive of the ifs, presented certificates to students who had attained one of the organisation’s regulatory qualifications.
In an inspiring speech to the packed hall of over 250 alumni and 500 of their proud guests, Mr Shreeve reminded the former students that learning need not end with their completion of one qualification; commitment to the industry should mean continued learning and professional development. A number of the students were receiving advanced level qualifications, ensuring their skills were up to date and increasing their employability.
In the afternoon 300 guests saw over 160 students receive Certificates and Diplomas from the ifs and BSc Degrees in Financial Services from The University of Manchester. Commemorative scrolls were also presented to newly elected Fellows.
Dr Chris Davies, Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning at The University of Manchester opened the ceremony. He commended the graduates’ achievement and acknowledged the support of families and friends – some of whom had travelled from as far as Kenya, Mauritius, Malta and Cyprus.
It was the first time that the ifs had held two ceremonies in one day to celebrate achievements in both Further and Higher Education. Mr Shreeve said “The ceremonies were a resounding success. It is always a pleasure to reward achievement, and at the ifs, we pride ourselves on endowing students with the skills to succeed in the business and finance sector.”
“We have seen some exceptional students graduate this year and all of our alumni will enhance whichever field they go on to work in. I wish them all every success for the future.”
