It was the final day of graduations at Aberdeen University yesterday and the enthusiasm of those about to take their first steps into their chosen careers was as strong as ever.
The rich traditions of the ceremony were played out before proud families from far and wide at the city’s historic Elphinstone Hall.
Once again the sun shone on King’s College as graduates with beaming smiles gathered for photographs to remember the occasion.
And at each of the ceremonies, audiences were treated to music performed by the institution’s own students.
In the morning, it was the turn of those who studied degrees in the Schools of Divinity and Religious Studies and History and Philosophy to collect their parchments.
Professor Jane Geddes, chairwoman in History of Art, said: “All your agonising essay deadlines and exams are over and you have all succeeded. You have graduated and head off in to the great wide world. We hope that you will look back fondly on your experience as a rite of passage in which you grew up.”
And it proved an equally memorable occasion for those graduating from the Medical School.
In her opening address, honorary clinical Professor Dr Rona Patey said they would take more away from their time at the university than their degrees.
She said: “Some of you have maintained a carer role during medical school, many of you have had jobs to help with finances. Some worked with student societies. You have been role models for junior students, taught members of the public how to perform resuscitation, made music, played sport, undertaken research and some presented at national and international conferences – the list seems endless are you are to be congratulated.”
In the evening, students from the School of Education took centre stage as they were congratulated on their hard work and dedication to their chosen fields.
Once again their degrees were conferred in Latin as they became the latest to join the Aberdeen alumni.
Welcoming them was the head of the school Professor Do Coyle, who wished them the very best in their careers.
She said: “Enjoy yourselves and be very proud of your achievements.”