Explorer life tips for Abertay graduates

CEREMONY: K9 is unusual guest of honour as students collect degrees

Abertay University graduates were treated to a talk from a polar explorer and a guard of honour from the Doctor’s faithful canine companion yesterday afternoon.

More than 750 people packed out the Caird Hall to collect their degrees and doctorates in the culmination of the academic session.

Abertay awarded three honorary degrees to leaders in the worlds of science and engineering and also to Scottish explorer Craig Mathieson.

K9 the dog from hit series Doctor Who, which was refurbished by graduate Gary Taylor, was on hand to congratulate the emerging academics. Craig, who led Scotland’s first ever recognised sojourn to the North and South Poles, has recently worked with the RRS Discovery in Dundee through his Polar Academy project.

He told the assembled crowd to ignore any unwarranted advice, especially from those trying to hamper their ambitions.

He said: “I was 12 years old when I decided to become a polar explorer.

“Unfortunately, being a polar explorer is not part of any career choice at high school or university, therefore I had to work extremely hard for many years to eventually succeed.

“Along the way, I met many people who told me what I couldn’t do, or what I wanted to do was just too difficult.

“You will also regularly meet these people in life.

“I’ve always found it best to deal with these people by thanking them for their ‘terrific’ advice, look them straight in the eye, smile, shake their hand… and then disregard everything they’ve told you and stick to your original plan.”

Collecting honorary degrees from Abertay were former president of the Institution of Civil Engineers Dr Jean Venables and professor of mycology Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University.

The university made history yesterday after awarding Dundee man Oliver James his PhD. Dr James became the first person to successfully join Abertay from college, earn undergraduate and post graduate degrees then attain his doctorate at Abertay.

The 28-year-old, who lives with dyslexia and gained one Higher qualification while at school, said becoming a doctor of exercise psychology was “completely worth it” and thanked his colleagues, friends and Abertay for all of their help over nine years of further education.

The graduation ceremony marked one of the most successful years in Abertay’s history after it was named number one in Europe for computer games education by the Princeton Review and ranked top modern university in Scotland by The Guardian University Guide.