An Aberdeen University alumni yesterday brought the curtain down on the last day of university graduations.
Pamela Gillies addressed budding scientists while they collected their degrees in biomedical sciences, anatomy and pharmacology.
Professor Gillies is currently principal and vice-chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University and, during her speech, offered plenty of food for thought for the new graduates.
She said: “I have been fortunate in life to find work that I love doing and which I am passionately committed to, but do I have any advice for you? – well, no.
“The actress Emma Thompson’s mum Phyllida Law, told the students at one of our recent graduations in Glasgow, that whilst she often listened politely to the advice other people eagerly offered, she rarely took it, trusting in her own inner voice.
“She added the only advice she had ever found helpful was “never put your tomatoes in the fridge” and we know how right that is.
“So, trust in your inner voice and be guided by your own very special intellect, imagination and moral compass.
“I know that each and every one of you is already primed to make a difference to the communities we all live in and serve. As my Chancellor, Nobel Laureate, Muhammad Yunus would say: ‘you are not future leaders, each and every one of you is a leader now in your own way”.
Prof Gillies was the first in her family to sample campus life, attending Aberdeen University from which she graduated in 1976 with a BSc in Physiology, a PGCE and a Masters in Education and Philosophy.
Yesterday, she was awarded an honorary degree, Doctor of Science.
She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2013 New Year Honours for her services to education and public health.
She added: “Thank you again so much for my Honorary Doctor of Science award and for allowing me to share this special day with you.”
Among the graduands yesterday was Pascal Michael, who has appeared on the TV programme Gogglebox, and was completing his degree in neurology.
He was joined by his parents, brother and two sisters who had recently completed a 12-day road-trip around Aberdeen.
As the first of his siblings to study in Aberdeen, he said: “I was really enamoured of the city when I first moved here, and spending four years at Aberdeen University has been an honour and a privilege.
“Having my whole family here in Scotland today to celebrate has been absolutely glorious, despite the grey weather.
“It was actually on the episode I appeared on Gogglebox, my dad arranged [the trip], and I travelled from Aberdeen to surprise my mum which was fantastic.”
Mr Michael’s mum, Carolyne added: “I thought he was in Aberdeen, so when he walked in [to the family’s house in Brighton] I couldn’t believe it.
“It was just fantastic and we are all immensely proud of him today.”
