Abertay graduands to be stars of online ceremony

University to screen awards event on its website this evening

Graduations will take a different form this year for Abertay University students as coronavirus shifts the celebrations online.

Hundreds of graduates will be glued to their screens this evening rather than attending the usual Caird Hall ceremony in person.

It’s hoped the traditional ceremony can still go ahead when government guidance allows.

Students from the university’s three academic schools – design and informatics, applied sciences and business, and law and social sciences – will celebrate their achievements, alongside students from Abertay’s Graduate School, where postgraduates and researches carry out their work.

The event will be the culmination of a week of online celebrations.

One student, Iolanda Serci, will use her first-class honours degree in law for a significant career change.

The registered nurse and former midwife and lecturer said: “I have been offered and have accepted a position as a trainee solicitor and I’m very excited about that.

“My time at Abertay has been wonderful and it’s allowing me to completely change my career.”

Sam Lambie, who is graduating with a degree in game design production, said moving on to the next stage of his life will be bittersweet.

The 27-year-old said: “I’ve had a fantastic time at Abertay. The staff have been fantastic and I’ve made lifelong friends. I’m looking forward to raising a glass with them – virtually – to celebrate our graduation.

“It will be sad to say goodbye to everyone but I’m excited about the future.”

Abertay principal Nigel Seaton said: “I am delighted that, despite the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, we will be able to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students.

“I hope that our virtual celebration will give our graduates a sense of connection with their classmates and the people who taught them throughout their time at Abertay.

“I look forward to watching our graduands cross the stage at the Caird Hall when it is safe to do so, for what will truly be a day to remember.”

The graduations can be watched on Abertay University’s website.

Iolanda Serci gained a first-class honours degree in law.