Graduates Shine as South West College Celebrates the Class of 2025 16 Dec 2025 South West College (SWC) proudly celebrated the achievements of its Higher Education students at graduation ceremonies held at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh, honouring the dedication, resilience and success of the Class of 2025. Across morning and afternoon ceremonies, families, friends and staff gathered to mark this important milestone for graduates completing a wide range of Higher Education programmes. Graduates were addressed by College Principal and Chief Executive Celine McCartan, Director of Development and Support Ciaran McManus, and Director of Curriculum Padraig McNamee. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Barry McCarron, Managing Director of KORE Retrofit and a recognised leader in sustainable construction and retrofit innovation in Ireland, who shared his inspiring professional journey and insights into the future of the sector. Student votes of thanks were delivered by Daniel Harvey (Open University Foundation Degree in Professional Practice in Culinary Arts), Dervla O’Donnell (Open University BEng (Hons) in Engineering), Emmet Keenan (Ulster University Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice), and Áine McCaffrey (Higher Level Apprentice, Ulster University Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering). The ceremonies were hosted by journalist Julian Fowler, whose three-decade career across local, regional and national media brought warmth, professionalism and strong support for the College and its graduates. More than 30 Scholar of the Year awards were presented, recognising the highest-achieving graduates across each programme for their academic excellence, commitment and dedication. This year also marked the launch of the Strule Achievement Grant, developed in partnership with the Woodvale–Lowry Joint Venture to support exceptional talent contributing to sustainable, community-focused projects such as the Strule Shared Education Campus. The awards were presented by Annette Palmer, Director of Tertiary Education at the Department for the Economy, to Ronan Fox for Best Graduate in Construction Engineering with Surveying and Áine McCaffrey for Best Graduate in Civil Engineering. The ceremonies concluded with closing remarks from Principal and Chief Executive Celine McCartan, who congratulated graduates on their achievements and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities ahead. Congratulating the Class of 2025, Celine said: “We are proud to offer courses that give ambitious learners practical skills, strong career pathways and real choices about their future. Our graduates have shown exceptional determination, resilience and commitment throughout their studies, often balancing education with work, family and other responsibilities. At South West College, we are proud to deliver Higher Education that is accessible, locally based and directly aligned to industry and regional skills needs. These programmes provide our students with practical skills, clear progression routes and the confidence to succeed in their chosen careers or further study. The Class of 2025 leaves us not only with recognised qualifications, but with the capability, adaptability and mindset needed to contribute positively to our economy and communities. We look forward to seeing the impact they will make as they take their next steps.” South West College is now accepting applications for full-time and part-time programmes starting in September 2026. Prospective students are invited to attend SWC Open Days beginning January 2025 or explore the College’s wide range of Higher Education opportunities at www.swc.ac.uk/highereducation. Get Your Degree Applications for our Full-Time Further Education and Apprenticeship courses and our Part-Time and Full-Time Higher Education courses are now open. Take your next step today! Apply now Share Sign up. Get Qualified. Succeed. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The details provided will be used to send you relevant information about SWC. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The details provided will be used to send you relevant information about SWC.