The London School of Management Education (LSME) held its annual Convocation and Prize Giving Ceremony on 28 September 2018 at the Grange City Hotel in London, attended by over two hundred and Fifty people, including graduating students. The Ceremony marked the presentation of Diplomas and special Awards to the Graduating classes of 2018 for the Diploma in Education and Training Qualification, the BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care and the BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business qualifications.
The event was honoured by the presence of Honorable Lord Sheikh from House of Lords and his wife Lady Sheikh as the Chief Guests, His Excellencies, Dr Durga Bahadur Subedi, the Ambassador of Nepal to the United Kingdom and H.E. Mr Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, the Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Mayor Debbie Kaur-Thiara, the Mayor of the London Borough of Redbridge, Professor Stephen McKinney, University of Glasgow, Cllr Gurdial Bhamra, Former Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Sunil Chopra, Former Mayor of Southwark and officials from various organisations.
While welcoming the Guests and the students, the Principal of the College, Dr Sarita Parhi, congratulated the graduating class and members of staff of the institution for their outstanding efforts in supporting their learners during their academic journey. She provided an insight into the progress made in the last academic year on student achievement and retention, student satisfaction, expansion of the academic portfolio, quality assurance, teaching and learning enhancement, employer engagement and other areas for further developments.
In his keynote address, Lord Sheikh congratulated the graduating students for their achievement and praised the efforts of the academic staff and management of LSME for providing a high quality and yet affordable education that transforms people with skills. He urged the graduands never to lose the sense of possibilities and optimism that led them to LSME in the first place and to work really hard to achieve their dreams. He highlighted the importance of Education from a religious and political points of view and his belief in the continuation of education beyond the age of 60 for the benefit of communities. He commented on his humble beginnings to his ability to own and manage his businesses as a result of education, hard work and dedication.
The Mayor of Redbridge, Debbie Kaur Thiara addressed the students with useful advice for a successful future. She reminded the graduating students to take the next steps towards achieving what they are absolutely passionate about. This she believed will draw others to their energy and create future opportunities for them. She related to her personal experience and how her passion for caring for children finally led to the establishment of a nursery. She expressed her sincere hope that the newly qualified graduates will contribute to the development of their local community including Redbridge.
Mr. Hassan Shifau, the Chief Research and Innovations Officer, expressed how proud he was to be a part of LSME and highlighted the transition from being a Diplomat to his current role with the institution, inspired by the humble beginnings of the institution to the progress made so far. His address remarked on the fact that LSME has other strategic development plans outside the excellent academic provision, including building a body of knowledge through research in partnership with other institutions such as the Panjab University and Chandigarh Region Innovations and Knowledge Cluster (CRIKC). He congratulated the graduating students and advised them on the importance of continuous growth and development for a better life in future.
Professor Stephen McKinney paid tribute to the Director, Principal and staff of the institution. He commended the institution for its philosophy of regarding their students as partners and not customers. This he said is a lifelong investment and an ethos of academic excellence. He added that education should not be capitalized as it kills the culture and joy of learning. Professor McKinney congratulated and commended the graduating students for their sacrifices as mature learners and for their hard work and perseverance. He advised the graduating students to embrace the need to be responsible in order to succeed in their career endeavors.
His Excellency, Dr Subedi spoke of the benefit of higher education in the UK which has benefitted many Nepalese including himself. He reminded the graduating students of his own experience and advised them to persevere in their efforts to attain successful carriers and to contribute positively in their local communities. He advised the students to uphold the human values of friendship, respect, peace, spirituality, love to nature and resilience.
His Excellency, Mr Gunaratna, stressed the importance of good quality higher education and commended the institution for its efforts and forward looking vision. He congratulated the graduating students and advised them to be true to themselves and be passionate about what they want, particularly in periods of challenges and uncertainties. He also remarked on the need to learn the skills of emotional intelligence, empathy and effective communication in order to succeed in the workplace.
Other speakers congratulated the newly qualified professionals and urged them to remain empowered by their achievement to reach out to others and challenge boundaries and obstacles that may stand in their way.
The successful graduates were conferred with their Diplomas. Special Awards were presented to outstanding graduates in recognition of their individual accomplishments throughout their study period and to student volunteers who participated in the organizing and smooth running of the event.
The overall Best Student of the Year Award were presented by Dr Sarita Parhi to Elena Loredana Burlacu for her commitment, self-motivation, excellent attendance and academic progress despite her challenging personal circumstances. In her appreciation, the awardee confirmed their allegiance to the institution and thanked the management and staff for their constant source of inspiration and support.
The ceremony was concluded by an address by Dr Ravi Kumar, the Executive Director of LSME. In his remarks, he reiterated the future plans of the institution in the area of research development, further expansion of academic portfolio, acquisition of a new premises and the long term plan to obtain degree awarding powers. He also extended his sincere gratitude to all VIP guests, graduates and members of staff of LSME.
A photography session was held after the Convocation by the famous Roman Wall in the courtyard of the Grange City Hotel followed by a lunch. The atmosphere presented a unique opportunity for guests, graduates and students to interact with the dignitaries and the academic staff.
