Fashion Icon Addresses College Graduates
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elebrated fashion designer, Zandra Rhodes CBE, was the guest speaker at this year's graduation ceremony.
Northbrook College held its Higher Education graduation ceremony on Friday. A total of 545 students graduated from Northbrook's university level courses this year - 10% more than last year. Students in their gowns and mortarboards collected their diplomas from the platform at Worthing's Assembly Hall. Guests of the College included the Mayor of Worthing, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Brighton, the Principal of Worthing College and local councillors and businesses. The guest speaker this year was the celebrated fashion designer, Zandra Rhodes CBE, who told the students of the importance of following their dreams:
"I was always aware that my work would not be embraced by the mass market but, with every fashion trend, I always managed to create a unique Zandra Rhodes version."
Coming from an art and design college background herself, hearing the experiences and inspirations of Ms Rhodes was of particular relevance to Northbrook's graduates, many of whom waited outside the hall after the ceremony to get their pictures taken with the celebrity designer.
Northbrook College Principal, David Percival, said:
"Zandra was terrific - she made a big impact on her arrival and made everyone feel special. To have an icon in world fashion design as our Guest of Honour was a tremendous privilege for the College, and I suspect she made the Awards Ceremony very special for a large number of our graduates - and for some of their parents."
Fashion Design graduate, Chloe Moore, addressed Ms Rhodes from the stage in a Vote of Thanks from the students, in which she paid tribute to an "iconic fashion designer and international business woman".
Northbrook College has continued to increase its portfolio of university level courses over recent years. The College's Degrees are validated by the University of Brighton.