Broadcasting legend said it was an ‘honour’ to host an event at his former college.
The annual awards saw 34 learners pick up prizes for their efforts during the last 12 months at their Ipswich and Suffolk Rural based campuses.
The occasion took place at Suffolk New College where former BBC Suffolk breakfast host and broadcasting legend Mark Murphy took on presenting duties.
Mr Murphy – the CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk and host of the TV show Life’s a Pitch – is a former student of the college who said ‘it was an honour to oversee this heart warming celebration’.
(A separate awards event takes place for learners based at their On The Coast campuses in Halesworth and Leiston)
Before the awards took place, all departments at the college championed their successes throughout the year via displays and exhibitions.
Principal and CEO of the college, Alan Pease started proceedings and reflected on the last 12 months. He said: “This event is an opportunity to come together as a college community to celebrate the achievements, talents, and successes of our learners. The year has given me a real sense of pride as we reflect on the outstanding accomplishments of our students. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their studies have been truly remarkable.
“This event is all about celebrating growth, resilience, creativity, leadership, and the determination our students have shown in overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities.
“To our students, thank you for inspiring us. To our staff, thank you for your unwavering support. And to parents, carers, families, and friends, thank you for the encouragement and support you provide, which plays such an important role in our learners’ success. Congratulations to all of our award winners.”
Mr Murphy then took to the stage where he reflected on highlights from the past year that included a visit from former ITFC hero Tommy Smith who is playing at the 2026 World Cup and individual awards for learners in national beauty and carpentry competitions.
Award winners included two siblings from Ipswich. The duo – Trevor and Precious Ronoh -are originally from Kenya but came to study at the college on a foundation course last year.
Trevor, 17, said: “I was surprised to win. I’m now going onto a motor vehicle course. We (my sister and I) are very happy share this moment. We have felt a lot of love (from the college and the UK).”
Precious, 19, is also from Ipswich. “I was very honoured. We are very grateful to all of the teachers and the college itself. I’m going to study health and social care and want to be a dentist. All the hard work has paid off. The college is a place for opportunities that gives us encouragement both inside and outside of college life.”
Their mum – Raelgachanja Ronoh -said: “I’m very proud of my son and my daughter.”
Another big winner was Dana Godbold, 36, from Ipswich. Dana who runs a wedding business – had been out of education for almost 20 years but has now passed an access course and is off to university in September. Long term she wants to help young people stay away from gang culture.
Dana won science learner of the year and said: “I was petrified thinking that I was going to be the oldest person there (going back into education) but I feel as it went on, I really enjoyed it and I’m sad it has finished.
“My time here has been amazing – I’d advise anyone to do it – take the jump – as it’ so worth it. I’m the first person from my family to go to university. Long term I want to work with gangs and youth sub-culture and make a real difference. You can’t change everything – but making a change for even one person is important.”
All winners received prizes related to their course, a goodie bag and a certificate.
Every single award was sponsored by a local or national company.
One sponsor was Anne and David Baalham. Their son and brother (Mark) – was a former student of the College who sadly passed away. They have sponsored an award in Mark’s memory for 40 years.
Other sponsors included Willis Towers Watson. Mike Cherry is Finance Business Partner for an organisation who sponsored the maths award. He said: “It is inspirational for us to see what goes on in a place like this. They (the college) are investing in our children of the future – they do such great work and we are pleased to be a part of it.”
Andy Crump is the CEO of Inspire. Inspire sponsored the inclusive learner award. Mr Crump said: “There are so many success stories – and as a sponsor it is an honour to hear and see these stories. The college is an enabler that supports young people achieve their potential.”
Food was provided by learners who are currently on courses studied via the Suffolk Centre for Culinary Arts. Holly Bide and Davia Fontellio-Smith sang songs during the ceremony and performing arts learners sang numbers from their recent hit show called Heathers: The Musical.