Bermuda College graduate numbers were up this year over last with 160 receiving associate degrees, certificates and diplomas at the 1995 graduation ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral on Thursday.

Before a large audience of proud family and friends that filled the body of the Cathedral, the graduates in black capes donned hoods and stoles and applauded themselves and the college faculty. Then one by one they collected their diplomas, pausing briefly to flash a smile for the cameras.

In a speech to this year's graduates, Bermuda College president Mr. George Cook urged them continue to "renew and re-educate'' themselves.

"You must never stop being students,'' he said.

He added that Bermuda's take over of the airport this week and the acquisition of the bases could spawn new and exciting job opportunities for Bermuda College graduates.

Chairman of the Board of Governors Dr. James King hailed 1996 as the first year the Bermuda College would become a truly united campus at Stonington.

"The College will rise to the occasion of the demands made upon it. It will continue to meet Bermuda's needs,'' he said.

Topping the list of students who received special awards was Mrs. Susan Harvey for a perfect 4.0 grade average and excellent academic performance. Chamber of Commerce awards for best all-round performance went to Mr. Steve Rose-Simons and Mr. Mark Mello.

Also honoured during the ceremony were three honorary fellow appointed by the College: Colonel Michael Darling -- former chairman of the board of governors of the Bermuda College; former Bank of Bermuda president and CEO Mr. Donald Lines and Adult Education teacher and Bank of Bermuda director Mrs. Eloise Furbert.

Mr. Cook pointed to them as role models and people who "constantly renewed themselves''.

Also made a fellow of the College was international pharmaceutical company Corange Limited -- the first company to receive the honour. The local branch of the vast corporation funded the Bermuda Science Centre which opened at Stonington last year.

Mrs. Furbert as guest speaker told students the meaning of life was in "the struggle, in the fight, in the cross''. Among their arsenal of weapons they needed courage, determination and faith, she said.

But although they had the potential to go on to become doctors or astronomers, she also warned they had the potential to be utterly bad. Instead she urged them to "rise higher and go further''.

Public relations officer Mrs. Jan Doidge yesterday claimed the College was pleased with the graduate numbers this year. The majority came from the arts and science faculties followed by hotel and business.

However, graduates in applied science which includes electronics, automotive mechanics and construction have been declining over the years. This year applied science graduates numbered only eight.

To stave off the decline, the College will be amalgamating the faculty with Adult Education to form the Faculty of Continued and Applied Studies. The course will also be switching to a more modular style.

The College believes the more flexible nature of the courses will appeal to more Bermudians who are reluctant to commit themselves to full-time studies for two years.

"We were obviously not meeting the needs of the community,'' Mrs. Doidge said. "We've got to respond as we see the needs in the community. This will give mature students and people who work an opportunity to get their qualifications in the way that best suits them.''