Hats Off to UCM: Celebrating 145 Years!

Dust off your hats and get ready to throw them in the air in slow motion. Don’t know how to do that? Well, there’s a big celebration on the horizon, so you’ve only got a few weeks to FIGURE IT OUT. But if you’re a UCM student or ex-student I’m sure you’ll have no problem, you smarty pants.

University College Isle of Man is celebrating not one but THREE big milestones. It’s marking 145 years since its original creation, plus it’s been 50 years since the official opening of the Homefield Road campus, AND more than ten years of the Annie Gill Training Café (used by students working towards qualifications and experience in food safety, customer care, barista coffee service as well as learning skills in food prep, cooking, and food and drink service).

It all began way back when in 1880. Before volleyball was even a sport. Back then, UCM was originally named the Douglas School of Art, and one of its first students was famous Manx designer Archibald Knox. From there, the college’s offering gradually grew to match the needs of local learners to a point where you’re now hard-pressed to find a subject, trade, or industry that doesn’t feature in UCM’s curriculum. (Although, I have yet to see a course in close-up magic. But maybe that’s the trick… Damn, they’re good). All this choice, on top of internships, flexibility, and consistent mentorship to make courses as accessible and diverse as possible.

Students at a life drawing class at the Douglas School of Art early 20th century

Archibald Knox isn’t the only big name to come through the school though. Oh no. Let’s roll call some successful former alumni, shall we? Please put your hands together for these students who also graced the corridors: Celebrity Chef Kevin Woodford, professional golfer Tom Gandy, award-winning designer Bethany Williams, business owner Drew Fleming, entrepreneur Emily Todd, and UCM’s current Principal Jesamine Kelly. And that’s just a sample. UCM has also connected with Nanda, a former student who studied hospitality there in 1975

‘The college building was so elegant, new and very spacious at that time,’ she says. ‘It took a while for me to make friends. One of the best memories was Prize Giving Day. Although I didn’t get the best award it was a very exciting moment for me to get the certificates from the Isle of Man Governor.’

Nanda as a student at the College (second in from left)

When comparing the college to today, Nanda says she’s seen how much UCM has advanced and puts a lot of that development down to the enthusiasm of the staff.

‘The dedication of the past Principals, Heads of Departments and all teachers should always be remembered because if not for their contribution, dedication, and commitment, the college wouldn’t have been able to survive this far. Their skills in administration and teaching methods have brought the college to this level. It’s led to UCM being recognised by other institutions.’

Not only did UCM help Nanda get the qualifications she needed, but her time there also helped shape her as a person. 

‘I joined the College as a teenager and I’m proud to say the college made me a very independent and confident person to handle my own affairs and also made me build my professional life successfully. I thank my teachers for giving me the opportunity at that time.’

Though UCM has changed throughout the years, one thing that has remained unchanging is its priority to listen to what people need and adapt to meet those needs in order to help the community as a whole. And to brag about students like proud parents sticking pictures of their kids’ achievements on the fridge. UCM is that giant fridge.

To celebrate 145 years’ worth of growth and achievement, UCM is hosting a special exhibition focusing on community engagement. You’re invited to join the celebration and see the evolution of the college by visiting UCM’s Milestone Exhibition running from 2pm on Friday 9th May in the Strand Shopping Centre until Friday 16th May. Until then, get finding those hats and figuring out how to throw them in slow motion.