Science and medicine graduates turned out in happy spirits for the second day of winter graduation ceremonies at Aberdeen University.
The cold weather could not dampen the atmosphere as new graduates were joined by family and friends as they took to Elphinstone Hall on the King’s College campus to take part in the special occasion.
The morning ceremony saw graduations from the College of Physical Sciences.
Students watched as an honorary degree was conferred on Professor Albert Rodger for a lifetime of work in engineering.
The degree was special for him due to his relationship with the institution. His connection spans more than forty years as he completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies there and has been a researcher at the university. He is currently a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the university’s vice-principal for external affairs and an emeritus professor.
He gave words of advise to graduates going down a path he went down more than four decades ago.
Addressing those graduating he said: “As a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, through its work, I have the privilege of being in contact with very distinguished engineers and scientists who lead businesses in the UK.
“This leads me to say with absolute confidence that demand for graduates in the disciplines represented by our graduates in the hall today hugely outstrips supply.”
He added: “Whatever visions and dreams you may have for your future, remember that you have it in you to realise them. It has been done by many graduates who came before you and who have risen to the very top of their profession.”
The afternoon ceremony was addressed by professor of medical sciences, Bernadette Connolly, who also highlighted the significance of the achievements the medical graduates had made.
“Graduation is a beginning not an end, be bold, be ambitious, whatever you do next put your heart into it and strive to make a difference.
“Remember you will always be a graduate from the University of Aberdeen. Today may mark the end of your time but does not mark the end of your relationship with us as you join a network of Aberdeen graduates.
“Be proud of your alma mater, we are enormously proud of you.”
