Aberdeen University law lecturer Malcolm Combe takes the view that every student who graduates is another success story to be celebrated.
But at last month’s ceremonies, Mr Combe was able to watch one of his most special scholars receive their degree – the daughter of an NHS Grampian nurse who helped him battle testicular cancer.
Mr Combe, 34, was first diagnosed with the disease in August 2013 – the year that his student Ashleigh Buchan commenced her studies.
And, throughout his 15 weeks of chemotherapy, he had Ashleigh’s mum Lorraine and the rest of the “absolute star” nurses at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary at his side, helping him to keep a positive outlook and endure the worst privations of the painful treatment.
He stated yesterday that being present at Ashleigh’s graduation alongside her mother was an “honour”.
Mr Combe said: “She started university in 2013, when I began my treatment. When I realised that she was Lorraine’s daughter, I was amazed – yet another case of Aberdeen being the world’s largest village.
“Lorraine was just one of the many fantastic nurses in the ward during my chemotherapy.
“Obviously, the consultants can’t be there all the time, so the nurses on the wards are the real front of line staff, hooking you up to the various chemotherapy goodies that you’ve got to take.
“So they’ve got to be in good spirits to keep you in good spirits, because it’s certainly not a fun experience.
“Lorraine and all of her colleagues at the hospital were an absolute star team. She was one of many who were brilliant.”
Mr Combe had his final surgery on January 2014, and confirmed he had made a good recovery from the condition, and is now “soldiering on”. He only requires hospital check-ups every six months.
He added: “I twigged they were going to be at the graduation, so I thought it would be good to meet up with them to say hello and enjoy a quick photo opportunity.
“It is always great to see all of your students graduating, but this extra connection made it a particular honour to see Ashleigh graduate, and with such good results too.”