Graduates from University Campus Oldham (UCO) have marked the end of their studies at a ceremony held at The Loom on Friday 16th October. The Class of 2026 came together with family, friends, staff from UCO and Oldham College, and invited guests at the venue, which was new for this year.

Before the ceremony, students walked in a procession through Oldham town centre led by Mr. Wilson's Second Liners, a brass band. Simon Jordan, Principal and CEO, welcomed those attending, and the graduates then crossed the stage to collect their scrolls and join the alumni community.

The Lorna Unwin Alumni Award for 2026 went to Sarah Shaw, who completed a BA (Hons) in Children and Young People in 2024. She has since secured a place on a competitive training route to become an Educational Mental Health Practitioner, and has come back to UCO to talk to current students about her career and how they can progress.

Two honorary fellowships were also presented. Jonathan Edwards was recognised for his services to the Oldham community, and Neil Dickson received one posthumously for his services to education.

Jonathan became a governor of Oldham College in 2010 and chaired the Corporation from 2018 to 2026. During that time he was involved in decisions including UCO joining the Oldham College family in 2012, and his legal advice helped the college buy the University Technical Centre (UTC) Oldham building. That site is now the Health and Life Sciences Centre, which houses facilities including simulation suites and the Imaginarium.

Neil Dickson worked at UCO as Course Leader for Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills from 2022. Grace Brogan, who holds the same role, gave a tribute to him, saying: "Neil is an example of the ripple effect of education at its very best; his students have gone on to support others in the community. Every moment of care they have offered and every space of safety they have created carries something of Neil within it."

Other awards went to Severin Hedge, who received the Oldham College Progression Award 2026, James Lord, who was given the Oldham College Enterprise Award 2026, and Joy Emokpae, who took the William Northam Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement 2026.

In his closing speech, Simon Jordan described the graduates as the "beating heart and soul of University Campus Oldham" and "exemplary students, extraordinary individuals and a relentless inspiration to us all."

UCO's next open event takes place on Saturday 14th November, with another all-ages event on Wednesday 17th March.