Help for disadvantaged makes principal proud

Dundee University will today mark the achievements of hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate students in the first of this year’s winter graduation ceremonies at Caird Hall.

Graduands will be joined by family and friends to celebrate achievements, while honorary degrees will be bestowed on world-leading figures.

Professor Bob Michell, Scottish Rugby Union chief medical officer Dr James Robson and leading foreign correspondent Christina Lamb are among those who will be hounoured today and tomorrow.

Professor Sir Pete Downes will also attend his final graduation ceremony as principal and vice-chancellor before retiring from both roles.

He said: “Whilst, as always, these ceremonies will be joyous occasions for those graduating and their families and friends, it will be an emotional occasion for me personally and for my wife, Elizabeth.

“Graduation reminds all of those who work in the university why we are so committed to what we do. It is the culmination of our efforts to transform lives.

“I am also especially proud of this university’s achievements in widening participation in higher education to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their transformation is perhaps the most profound of all.

“Graduation is a special day for all who will cross the stage.

“They will now go on to make their mark in their chosen fields, and I’m sure hearing about the achievements of our honorary graduates will inspire them as they embark upon their careers.”

The winter celebrations are held to allow students whose courses finish after the traditional summer graduation to receive their awards as soon as possible after successfully completing their studies.

Two ceremonies will be held today, with another taking place tomorrow morning. Students from the Schools of Education and Social Work, Life Sciences and Science and Engineering will receive their awards from 10am.

The afternoon ceremony will begin at 2.30pm and see graduands from the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design cross the stage.

The third ceremony, for students from the Schools of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dentistry and Medicine will take place at 10am tomorrow.

Honorary degrees will be bestowed on Professor Bob Michell at the morning ceremony today, Dr James Robson this afternoon and Christina Lamb tomorrow.

The ceremony will be the first presided over by Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the university’s newly installed chancellor.

Graduation receptions will take place at Dundee University Student Association (Dusa) from 4-7pm today and from 3-6pm tomorrow.

Pictures: Kim Cessford. From left: Alison Borthwick and Carys Magee, Tiago Silva and Aleena Ali celebrate their big day at a graduation ceremony earlier this year.