By Kunal Chan Mehta, FSB’s Public Relations Manager, Article Date: 31 July 2023 

Embracing the very best of FSB. We applaud with great joy the inimitable and inaugural ‘Class of 2023’ at their grand graduation ceremony on Thursday 27 July 2023 at FSB’s Stephenson House Campus in Croydon. (Photograph: FSB)

The stage was set, and the atmosphere was electrical as FSB celebrated the momentous graduation ceremony of its inaugural MA Business and Management students in partnership with Bath Spa University. Amid the vibrant new graduate and staff splendour at FSB’s new Stephenson House campus in Croydon, the Class of 2023 gathered with loved ones to commemorate their academic achievements and the successful completion of a Masters’ program that has prepared them to capture the opportunities that lie ahead.

‘It was a pleasure and an honour to attend the graduation celebration and to have the opportunity to congratulate graduates in person, to recognise their fantastic achievements, and to appreciate the support they have received from their lecturers, families, and friends,’ said Professor Simon Haslett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Bath Spa University. ‘This is the first cohort of Bath Spa University graduates to have studied with FSB and as such represents a significant milestone in the development of our educational partnership that is making such a difference in the lives of students and the communities in which they live and work.’

Mr Mohammed Zaidi, FSB’s CEO, added: ‘On this momentous occasion, FSB extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2023 who have received the ultimate reward for all their hard work. I am confident that they will go on to achieve great things in their future endeavours as they possess exceptional minds and are now equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a notable impact on their chosen fields.’

Lifelong friends celebrate the end of their academic journey with Cllr Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainable Regeneration in Croydon (third from top right) and FSB’s academic staff from Croydon and Luton campuses. The MA Business and Management graduates of 2023 carry with them the programme’s invaluable experiences and core benefits, equipping them to make meaningful contributions and create positive change in their communities and beyond. (Photograph: FSB)

Sarah Jones, MP for Croydon Central, also expressed her best wishes to FSB graduates in a statement: ‘Graduation day marks the end of your studies and the culmination of weeks and months of hard work. I hope that you are all happy with your results and that you’re all also leaving this institution with very happy memories, and friends that will see you through your life. I know that this special day means a huge amount to you all. And so it should. You’ve all worked hard. But I hope that I can leave you with a final thought. Regardless of how well you did in your course, and what grade you achieved, I have no doubt that all of you can and should be proud. All of you will have learned new skills that will stand you in good stead for your future lives and careers.’

A sweet celebration of academic excellence! The Deputy Civic Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Appu Srinivasan, and Professor Simon Haslett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Partnership Strategy, Bath Spa University, and FSB staff (l-r) Mustafa Abbas, FSB’s Registry and Data Officer, Kunal Chan Mehta, FSB’s PR Manager, Dhaneswar Chooramun, FSB Croydon’s Academic Dean, Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal, Ali Ahsan, FSB Croydon’s Operations Manager, Dr Wendy Wigley, FSB’s Head of Student Lifecycle and Partnerships Manager and Sajid Hussain, Interim Associate Dean at FSB Luton cut a cake to commemorate the landmark inaugural graduation of the MA Business and Management students. (Photograph: FSB)

Making marvellous memories amid cheers and applause. Graduate Abu Tahir celebrates the proudest day of his life with (l-r) Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal, Professor Simon Haslett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Partnership Strategy, Bath Spa University, Dr Wendy Wigley, FSB’s Head of Student Lifecycle and Partnerships Manager, Joshua Williams, Course Leader and Link Tutor for FSB’s MA and MBA programmes, Bath Spa University, Maryluz Carvajal, FSB Programme Manager and Sajid Hussain, Interim Associate Dean at FSB Luton. (Photograph: FSB)

During a keynote address, Councillor Jeet Bains, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainable Regeneration in Croydon, spoke about FSB’s promising course offerings and the strong bond and genuine relationship between the graduates and faculty staff.

Cllr Jeet Bains, Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainable Regeneration (Croydon), expressed his admiration for FSB’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses. (Photograph: FSB)

Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal, delivered an important address to the graduates, imparting valuable life lessons and wishing them all the best for their future endeavours. (Photograph: FSB)

As they wondered what the future might hold for them, Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal and Prevent Governor, told the new graduates that ‘learning is a lifetime endeavour’ and that ‘FSB’s academic legacy and the spirit of the graduates will continue to shine brightly offering a strong path forward for everyone fostering a better and more inclusive world.’

Giedrius Zilionis, FSB’s Dean of Learning & Teaching, addressing the graduates, said: ‘May you go forth with courage, resilience, and a commitment to making the world a better place through your business endeavours.’

At FSB, graduation is also an occasion for staff to join in celebrating the achievements of students and to recognise and appreciate the hard work of everyone involved. (Photograph: FSB)

‘The MA Business and Management course stands as a testament to our shared vision with Bath Spa University,’ asserted Dhaneswar Chooramun, FSB Croydon’s Academic Dean. ‘Through a comprehensive curriculum and expert faculty, the graduates of this course have all acquired a diverse skill set, empowering them to tackle real-world challenges with confidence and acumen.’

Sajid Hussain, FSB Luton’s Interim Associate Dean, added: ‘FSB’s partnership with Bath Spa University in delivering the MA Business and Management course has proven to be a resounding success. The program has been thoughtfully designed to offer students a comprehensive and cutting-edge curriculum. It is this unique blend of academic rigour and practical exposure that sets the course apart, empowering its graduates with industry-relevant skills that have prepared them to thrive in a competitive global environment.’

The day-long celebration reached its crescendo when The Deputy Civic Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Appu Srinivasan, offered a mesmerising and valedictory talk on the importance of Higher Education for personal achievement and FSB’s truly civic stance in the areas in which it operates. The Deputy Civic Mayor reminded the graduates of the enormous privilege they had in receiving their Masters’ degree that ‘weaves the threads of wisdom’ and ‘charts a course to greatness.’

‘The spirit of the occasion was wholly affiliated with the marvellous setting of our new Stephenson House campus’ said Dr Wendy Wigley, FSB’s Head of Student Lifecycle and Partnerships Manager. (l-r) Dhaneswar Chooramun, FSB Croydon’s Academic Dean, Professor Simon Haslett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Partnership Strategy, Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal, The Deputy Civic Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Appu Srinivasan, Dr Wendy Wigley, FSB’s Head of Student Lifecycle and Partnerships Manager and Sajid Hussain, Interim Associate Dean at FSB Luton. (Photograph: FSB)

Bonhomie on display. FSB’s senior management, commends colleagues for their outstanding care and excellent facilitation on the day. (l-r) Nataliia Slobadiak, Student Support Officer, Ali Ahsan, FSB Croydon’s Operations Manager, Kunal Chan Mehta, FSB’s PR Manager and Zerka Sahak, Student Support Coordinator. (Photograph: FSB)

Ecstatic faculty and staff join the celebration. Professor Simon Haslett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Partnership Strategy, Bath Spa University (third from right), with FSB staff (l-r) Maryluz Carvajal, Programme Manager, Mustafa Abbas, Registry and Data Officer, Giedrius Zilionis, Dean of Teaching and Learning, Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal, Dr Wendy Wigley, FSB’s Head of Student Lifecycle and Partnerships Manager and Farhath Fayiz, Assistant Registrar. (Photograph: FSB)

For more information about the MA Business and Management course and other courses at FSB, visit: www.fsb.ac.uk/courses

For any questions, feedback, or additional information, please contact the author of this article, Kunal Chan Mehta via kunal.mehta@fairfield.ac.