22 April 2004

Graduation festivities revealed

Photo opportunity 11am, Friday 23 April, Post Box at the top of Roseangle, Perth Road, Dundee.

Students who are preparing for their final exams at the University of Dundee will be spurred on this weekend as they receive details of the festivities planned for their graduation this summer including a special Greatest Minds lecture by the BBC's political correspondent Andrew Marr.

This year the programme is bigger and better than ever with the traditional garden parties, graduation ball and alumni ball all taking place in the Graduation Sensation tented village outside the Sensation Science Centre in Dundee’s Greenmarket. A special reception for international students and their families who have travelled far to see their students graduate will be hosted by the University Principal Sir Alan Langlands. The University will transform the Sensation site into a village of marquees to host the celebrations for this year's graduates and their families.

A special red and gold envelope with details of all the festivities is being posted today to students who are due to graduate this summer.

BBC Political correspondent Andrew Marr will deliver the University’s Greatest Minds lecture at the University's Bonar Hall on Friday 2nd July. Mr Marr will be conferred with an honorary degree by the University that day in the Caird Hall. His lecture is free and is open to the public. Tickets can be reserved by emailing events@dundee.ac.uk

On the Friday evening Summer Sensation, a party for staff and alumni of the University will be held in the tented village. The party is an informal occasion to celebrate the end of the academic year and the achievements of the University community. All local graduates are welcome to attend and should contact the University to buy tickets. events@dundee.ac.uk

University Events Officer Michael Marra said: "This year’s celebrations are the biggest the University has ever undertaken to celebrate the considerable achievements of our graduates and the end of the academic year. We have a programme of events that our graduates, staff, alumni and the entire local community can participate in."

Contact Michael Marra: 01382 344660

By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk