It was a day of relief and celebration for the Robert Gordon’s University (RGU) graduates who gathered at His Majesty’s Theatre yesterday.
After years of studying for their various medical courses, the hard work had finally paid off as they were awarded their degrees.
During the morning ceremony, graduates from the school of nursing and midwifery and the school of pharmacy and life sciences were reminded of the impact their future work could have.
University chancellor Sir Ian Wood, who himself graduated from RGU in 1964, said: “This is an incredibly vast and changing world and in your professions you will challenge the traditional method of how things are done.
“Medicine is being transformed in front of your eyes and there are problems you will face that my generation did not have to think about.”
Sir Ian’s inspirational speech led to cheers and warm applause from those seated in the theatre.
He added: “There are medics who are selflessly dedicating themselves to alleviate the suffering of people across the world. You will require courage, wisdom and heroism if you go this path and if that is your intention, I salute you.
“Don’t be a spectator – I urge you to be morally courageous. Don’t just sit back and criticise. Don’t underestimate your own potential.”
Kerry Harrison, student president for education and welfare, led the proceedings with her own inspirational speech for her peers.
She said: “Whatever your journey may have been through RGU, you have completed your exams, coursework and made it out the other side relatively unscathed. Everyone here is very proud of you.
“Remember you will always have a home here at RGU, so go ahead and face the future with courage and determination.”
At the afternoon ceremony, it was principal and vice chancellor Professor Ferdinand Von Prondzynski’s turn to inspire the new group of graduates from the school of applied social sciences and health science.
Professor Prondzynski chose to focus on the long-standing relationship alumni have with the university and encouraged the graduates to keep in touch.
He said: “As you have studied here you have become members of a family and the RGU community. Working together we have moved a little bit along the road of knowledge.
“This is not a farewell ceremony. If you ever need us, you know where to turn and we look forward to hear how you have moved on and succeeded.”
After closing remarks, the graduates from both ceremonies were piped out to the tune of Scotland the Brave and left to ponder what direction their future could take.
