University Campus Oldham celebrates the Class of 2026 at Graduation

3rd November 2026

University Campus Oldham (UCO)’s latest class of graduates celebrated their achievements at their Graduation ceremony earlier this month.

The Class of 2026 came together with their friends and families, staff from University Campus Oldham and Oldham College and special guests to celebrate at new venue The Loom on Friday 16th October.

Following a procession around Oldham town centre led by Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners, a vibrant and uplifting brass band, attendees were welcomed to the ceremony by Simon Jordan, Principal and CEO.

It was then time for our former students to walk the stage, doff their caps and accept their scrolls which welcomed them into our alumni community.

During the ceremony, several other members of the UCO community were recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

The Lorna Unwin Alumni Award for 2026 was awarded to Sarah Shaw, who graduated in 2024 with a BA (Hons) in Children and Young People.

Since graduating, Sarah has secured a highly competitive place to train as an Educational Mental Health Practitioner. She has also returned to UCO to share her experiences with current learners to support their career progression.

Two Honorary Fellowships were also awarded: one to Jonathan Edwards for his services to the Oldham community, and another to Neil Dickson, who was posthumously awarded honorary fellowship for his services to education.

Jonathan joined Oldham College as a governor in 2010 and served as Chair of the Corporation from 2018 to 2026. During his time on the Board, Jonathan was involved in impactful decision-making – including bringing University Campus Oldham into the Oldham College family in 2012.

It was also Jonathan’s legal advice that allowed the College to acquire the University Technical Centre (UTC) Oldham building, which is now the College’s Health and Life Sciences Centre – home to cutting-edge facilities including simulation suites and the Imaginarium.

Neil Dickson worked at UCO as the Course Leader for Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills from 2022.

Grace Brogan, Course Leader for Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Skills, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Neil. She highlighted Neil’s character and legacy, 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 award winners included Severin Hedge (Oldham College Progression Award 2026), James Lord (Oldham College Enterprise Award 2026) and Joy Emokpae (William Northam Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement 2026).

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

Congratulations to the class of 2026! We wish you all the best for what comes next and are honoured to have played a part in your journeys.

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