St Andrews celebrates students’ graduation
St Andrews celebrated the graduation of another batch of students last week. The autumn graduation ceremony took place on St Andrews day, (November 30) in the Younger Hall.
Three ceremonies took place across the day, followed by receptions in Lower College Lawn at St Salvator’s Quad. Students who completed their studies earlier this year returned to St Andrews for the ceremony.
The first Graduation address was given by Professor James Naismith, from the School of Chemistry. Stressing the importance of the University motto ‘aien aristeuein’ or ‘Ever to Excel,’ he said “I want to impress you graduates one simple fact.
“There is not and never will be anyone more careful of and more important to, the continuing success of the University of St Andrews, than you its graduates and greatest achievement. ‘Aien aristeuein’ its also a challenge to each of you, will you?”
Professor Lorna Milne, from the School of Modern Languages, gave the second graduation address of the day. She advised that, “as graduates of this University, you now have a demanding task ahead of you. And that is, whatever your occupation in future, always to use your education, in the broadest sense.”
In the final service at 3.30, Professor Andrew Lang, from the School of International Relations, encouraged the graduates that although this was the end of their time at St Andrews, “it is a beginning, the launching of something new and better than before. The fairy tale itself must end, but the this creates something new.”
Many friend and family members attended the ceremony but for those who couldn’t make it, a live stream of the events was available on the university website.
The University also used the occasion to award several honorary degrees.
Author of ‘A History of God,’ Karen Armstong was honoured with a Degree of Doctor of Letters. Award winning Scottish Author, Ali Smith also received an honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, while former St Andrews Rector, Kevin Dunion received an Degree of Doctor of Laws.
Dunion was elected by the students of the university in October 2008 and has recently been replaced by Alastair Moffat upon completing his term.
Congratulations to all those who have successfully made it through their time at St Andrews, and all the best for the future.
