Wolverhampton University lifelong learning champion to speak at college graduation

Dr Mary Mahoney from the University of Wolverhampton will deliver the keynote address at Walsall College’s graduation ceremony for higher education students.  The university’s head of lifelong learning will speak to graduates at the ceremony at Walsall Town Hall on Friday 29 November.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more inspirational person to deliver our keynote address this year,” said Walsall College Principal and Chief Executive, Jatinder Sharma.  “As a lifelong learning advocate, Mary fully understands how training and professional development drives local skills levels and economic output.  It is also vital to our wellbeing.

“Our graduation ceremony is a time for big celebrations by students, their families and friends and our staff.  We know Mary will help make this a memorable occasion for everyone involved.”

Dr Mahoney has worked in higher education in Australia, Wales and England.  She joined the University of Wolverhampton in 2014, establishing the Centre for Lifelong Learning.

Here, she leads on a range of strategic initiatives focused on the role of learning in economic and social development through flexible, distributed, lifelong and life-wide learning in key locations.

“It will be a real honour for me to formally congratulate these graduating learners as they venture out into industry,” said Mary.  “Their studies will have encouraged them to re-evaluate who they are and just how much more they can achieve.

“Lifelong learning helps to change the world in many important and exciting ways.  This is something I’ll be keen to reinforce to everyone at the graduation ceremony so that we embrace new ideas and opportunities throughout our lives.”

Walsall College’s higher education students will receive certificate awards for their success on courses such as Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Top-Up Degrees and Foundation Degrees in the college’s clusters: Business & Computing, Professional Development, Creative Industries, Construction, Engineering & Science, Health & Public Services, Services to People and Employer Responsive.

They will also graduate from higher apprenticeships in subject areas including Business and Professional Administration, Care Leadership and Management, as well as Human Resource Management.

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