NWRC graduation ceremony honours local people making a difference
Artisan chocolatier Geri Martin and addiction recovery advocate Gary Rutherford are honored alongside the College's Class of 2026.
Two local individuals whose work has made a significant contribution across communities in Northern Ireland have received honorary awards at the North West Regional College (NWRC) Higher Education and Access Graduation ceremony on Friday.
Geri Martin, Founder and Chief Chocolatier of The Chocolate Manor, and Gary Rutherford, Founder and CEO of ARC Fitness, were among the hundreds of students to be acknowledged as Graduates from the College’s Class of 2026 at the ceremony in the Millennium Forum, on October 30.
This is the sixth year NWRC has presented Honorary awards at its annual graduation ceremony – recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions in the local community, skills development, and industry.
Geri is the Founder and Chief Chocolatier of The Chocolate Manor, an award-winning artisan chocolate business.
Her journey into chocolate-making began while on maternity leave from her role as an Events Officer at NWRC, when she enrolled on a Chocolate Making course at the College.
In 2012, Geri launched The Chocolate Manor from her home kitchen. Through passion, innovation and entrepreneurial drive, the business has grown into one of Northern Ireland's most recognised artisan chocolate brands, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond.
She has benefited from innovation support through NWRC's Foodovation Centre, working with food technology and product design specialists to develop and grow her products and business.
Geri is the Chair of Taste Causeway CIC and works closely with the NWRC Foodovation team to develop the business case for the proposed Foodovation and Skills Centre, a key project within the Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal.
Gary is the Founder and CEO of ARC Fitness, an innovative addiction recovery organisation that uses physical activity, professional support, community and hope to help individuals overcome addiction and the negative impact of substance use.
Gary began his educational journey at NWRC completing the Access course in Health & Welfare before progressing to train as a mental health nurse. He established ARC Fitness in 2019 with a clear mission to make recovery more accessible through community-based support and exercise.
Having achieved long-term recovery from substance misuse himself, Gary has dedicated his life to helping others rebuild their lives. He has supported countless individuals in improving their physical and mental wellbeing, creating a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope within communities across Northern Ireland.
Gary was previously awarded the Royal College of Nursing Nurse of the Year Award, and in September 2026 he was named the Northern Ireland regional winner of the Pride of Britain Awards.
Graduates of Art & Design, Business, Computing, Construction, Engineering and Science, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Early Years, Health & Social Care, Hospitality, Tourism, Sport, Media, Music, and Performing Arts gathered at the Millennium Forum with friends and family to mark the successful completion of courses undertaken at the College’s Strand Road, Limavady and Strabane Campuses.
The college’s graduation ceremony was streamed live on the college’s YouTube channel and is still available to watch.
BBC presenter Barra Best hosted the event.