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Aberdeen University Graduations: ‘Northern boy’ graduate using achievement to make sure grandad ‘is still remembered’

Calum Clark at Aberdeen University graduations at P&J Live. Picture by Chris Sumner.
Calum Clark at Aberdeen University graduations at P&J Live. Picture by Chris Sumner.

A self-proclaimed “northern boy at heart” is celebrating his graduation by remembering his grandad.

Calum Clark said after years of online studying, graduating from his course is the “biggest achievement”.

While his parents and sister are celebrating his milestone today, one of his biggest supporters was not able to make it.

The 21-year-old’s grandad died a week just before the ceremony.

‘Hopefully he’s looking down on us’

His grandpa was a big reader of The P&J and Mr Clark said speaking about his achievement was a good way to remember him.

“He was really looking forward to it,” he added. “He wanted to read it cause he couldn’t be here because he was in hospital but hopefully he’s looking down on us.”

Today, the graduate and family will be remembering him as they celebrate.

Mr Clark said: “We will be sort of celebrating my grandad’s life and making sure that he’s remembered cause he wanted to be here but he couldn’t.”

Looking back over the four years at Aberdeen University, the Forres resident said it was the perfect place for him to study politics.

“I think it’s got a great international reputation Aberdeen. It’s close to home for me in Forres, I’m a northern boy at heart.

“I’m moving away soon for the first time but I wanted to stay local for a bit longer and Aberdeen is perfect for that.

“There’s really lovely people as well and some great facilities and great teaching.”

Covid was a ‘test of my passion’

While it was a “good four years”, the transition to online teaching during Covid tested Mr Clark’s dedication.

He said: “The change to online sounds easy but actually it’s a big test of your dedication and your passion. Can you keep it up, are you resilient enough to do it.

“So just getting through that and going away with a good degree was pretty special.”

He is leaving university with an even bigger passion for politics, having thoroughly enjoyed exploring his interest in how to improve the north through local politics for his dissertation.

This is something he hopes to use when he moves to Glasgow by going into research or policy.

  • Keen to find out who else is graduating from Aberdeen University this week? Check out our interactive list.

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