Scientists, engineers and mathematicians graduating from Aberdeen University were yesterday thanked for being such “bright, interesting and enthusiastic” students.
Hundreds of graduates were praised by their tutors as they picked up well-earned awards during the third day of ceremonies at the university’s historic Elphinstone Hall.
With the north-east basking in sunshine for another day, spirits were high as capped students congregated on the King’s College lawn to celebrate the culmination of several years of sheer determination and hard work.
So far this week, the university has honoured future accountants, lawyers and linguists – and even welcomed a surprise Royal guest, the Duchess of Rothesay.
But yesterday, it was the analytical and curious minds of scientists and engineers that had their moment in the spotlight as they collected their prizes in front of proud families and friends.
Dr Jarek Kedra, head of pure mathematics, told parents sitting at the morning ceremony that not only had their children grown as people by choosing to embrace university life, but that they were taking away skills and knowledge with them that could help shape the world.
“It has been four long years during which your kids grew up and changed. Changed in many ways,” he said.
“But there is one important part of these changes. They became scientists.
“This means we share a big part of human culture, and this cultural background allows us to communicate on a certain level and to feel that we are part of a community – the scientific community.”
Dr Maria Kashtalyan, a reader in engineering and director of the university’s Centre for Micro and Nanomechanics, also told the students that their inquisitive questions and eagerness to learn helped shaped their lecturer’s own knowledge and beliefs.
“Sometimes it can be easy to forget how fortunate my colleagues and I are to have the privilege of teaching such bright, interesting and enthusiastic students,” she said.
“Teaching you in the classroom does make us think differently about the subjects that are familiar to us. In teaching you, we become better researchers.
“Your degree will not only change your life, but has the potential to change the lives of others. Use it well.”