One of the most respected composers in the UK has been given an honorary degree from Aberdeen University.
Lord Berkeley of Knighton was presented with a doctor of music degree as the fourth day of graduations got under way at the P&J Live.
A long-term supporter of Aberdeen University, Michael Berkeley was celebrated for his commitment to the industry.
He told the graduates it was a “real pleasure and an honour” to join them on stage, and encouraged them all to seek out and take any opportunities that come their way.
The music broadcaster and peer said: “Don’t be afraid to take a turning off the main road to see what lies beyond.”
Speaking after the ceremony, Lord Berkeley said he was “thrilled” to receive the honour degree and plans to celebrate with a trip to the beach in Aberdeen to see some dolphins.
“I love Aberdeen and I love Scotland, and I’ve worked here with students before and this is a very important day for everyone. So, to be part of it, is a great honour,” he said.
“It is like a crowning glory – an accolade that makes one feel very good and it’s so nice to see all the young people achieving things as well.”
‘Always welcome in Aberdeen’
Lord Berkeley received his honour as hundreds of graduates from the schools of language, literature, music, visual culture and education celebrated the end of their years of hard work.
After a warm Aberdonian welcome from principal and vice-chancellor George Boyne, the crowd was encouraged to “gie it yaldi” while performing the graduation song.
Music professor Christopher Collins addressed those accepting their degrees, highlighting their dedication and adaptability – and reminding them there are still spaces on the postgraduate courses.
He said: “You’ve all faced challenges that few of us could ever have imagined just three years ago. But, in adapting to difficult circumstances and overcoming them, you’ve acquired a new set of skills which will set you in good stead for whatever else the world throws at you.
“And that is what a degree in language, literature, music and visual culture is all about: not preparing you for one specific career, but equipping you with the skills you need to continue your educational journeys for the rest of your lives, putting you in prime position for the jobs that we don’t even exist yet.”
‘Always part of Aberdeen family’
The class of 2022 were praised for facing the great test of studying through a pandemic and graduating in uncertain times.
In a speech, Professor Karl Leydecker, the university’s senior vice-principal, said: “The huge array of talent among you, our graduates, is more than enough to change the world many times over and to make it a better place in ways both great and small.
“You are certainly well equipped to face whatever challenges come your way: not only with the knowledge, understanding, and skills that you have gained from your studies, but also with new confidence, new connections and opportunities.
“So while I hope you take out into the world all that you have learned here, let me also take this opportunity to remind you that although today marks the end of a very significant chapter in your lives, it is not the end of your Aberdeen journey.
“You will always be part of the ‘Aberdeen family’”.
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