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Aberdeen University’s winter graduations come to a close

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Aberdeen University’s winter graduations culminated with two evocative ceremonies yesterday.

Students from across the globe gathered in Elphinstone Hall to commemorate the end of their masters courses. And, following on from Thursday’s honorary degree awarded to Lord Alistair Darling, two more public figures became members of the alumni.

Gladys Sangster, a pioneering advocate and fundraiser for cancer research, received a Masters of the University.

The north-east stalwart decided to invest her time and energy into the charity CRANES after her husband died of cancer at the age of 63.

Mrs Sangster, 90, is no stranger to Aberdeen University, because CRANES has contributed thousands to university research projects throughout the years.


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In 2010, the generous sum of £23,000 was contributed to a student-led survey into the connection between obesity and cancer.

She said: “We have funded a number of projects here and worked with students from a variety of departments.

“It feels like the honorary degree is also an award for CRANES. All the money we raise goes towards projects in the north-east and Moray and we’ve been able to work with the university on many brilliant projects.

“It was a very meaningful ceremony and to receive the degree is such a great accolade.

“I feel deeply honoured, and a trifle humbled.”

In addition to Mrs Sangster, esteemed Irish poet Michael O’Siadhail picked up an honorary Doctor of Literature degree.

The poet – whose 17 collections of poetry have been read across the world – previously picked up a Doctor of Letters from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Speaking slightly closer to home, the Dublin-born poet said: “I found out six months ago that I would have the chance to visit the university and receive a Doctorate of Literature.

“It was such a great honour, and I was delighted to receive such an accolade, from the fourth oldest university in the island no less.

“I remember the excitement of being a new graduate after completing my undergraduate at Trinity College and I wish this week’s graduates all the best.

“In my speech in yesterday’s ceremony, I hope I reminded the students that – as science and nutrition degree graduates – they are the minders and keepers of our earth.

“Their work will be greatly interwoven with the health of many, as well as the environment and state of the earth.”