Students earn awards at Dundee University

Hundreds of graduands attend winter ceremony at Caird Hall

Hundreds of new graduates celebrated their achievements at Dundee University’s winter graduation ceremony.

Around 600 students of all ages collected their degrees at yesterday’s event in the Caird Hall, with a further 300 due to receive theirs today.

Honorary degrees were conferred to astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, internationally renowned businessman Dr Frederik Paulsen and Helen Jones, CEO of the Gypsy and Traveller Exchange.

Addressing the graduands, viceprincipal Professor Nic Beech said: “It has been a time to reflect on our achievements but also to look forward with ambition, with your university days behind you but anticipating the life which lies ahead.

“You, as students, have been at the heart of everything we do. It is one of the things that makes Dundee special.

“From a small dot on the map on the east coast of Scotland, and in a university that is relatively small when compared to some of the global giants, we have done remarkable things.

“Over these past 50 years we have pioneered innovations as diverse as flat screen technology and keyhole surgery; many of the satellites and shuttles launched into orbit have circuitry designed and built here; and we have become one of the world’s leading centres for forensic sciences research.”

Among the students graduating yesterday was Oluwaseyi Oyerinde, who studied for a master’s degree in human anatomy.

The 36-year-old, from Nigeria, said: “I’ve been in Dundee for one year and I’ve had a great time. It’s a beautiful city and the Dundonians are very hospitable.”

Liam Walker, 23, received a professional graduate diploma in education.

He said: “I’m currently working in Grove Academy and I hope to stay and teach maths in Dundee.”

Lauren Higgins, 23, graduated with an RG diploma in primary education.

She said: “I’ve really enjoyed the course and especially the experience of being in Dundee.

“Everyone has been so welcoming.”

Pictures: Kim Cessford. Tanatswa Jamera celebrates with his young nephew, Tafara Jamera, outside the Caird Hall.