23 June 2004

Chancellor dubs nephew with his degree

A portrait of University of Dundee Chancellor Sir James Black by an artist who has painted Nelson Mandela’s portrait will be presented to him before this summer’s first graduation ceremony. Students from the School of Design will graduate on Friday 25th June including Sir James’ own nephew who will be dubbed with his degree by his great uncle.

The special graduation ceremony is being held a week earlier than the other ceremonies to allow the students to graduate and also attend the New Designers show which takes place in London next week. The show is critical for those hoping to launch their careers in the design world so the University has organised a special ceremony for the designers to graduate a little earlier.

Sir James’ nephew, Euan Black, who is heading off to New York City for a two month design internship with C2 Creative on 5th Avenue is graduating with a 2:1 and his qualification from the Institute for Typographic Design - a society which has only 400 members worldwide.

Euan said: "I am excited to start my career in New York and have really enjoyed the graphic design course at Duncan of Jordanstone.

On his Great Uncle he explained: "I’m looking forward to being awarded my degree by my Uncle James. I’ve never really thought of him as the eminent scientist that he is, but just as my uncle who likes to laugh. He has always taken a very keen interest in my art as he is a great art lover himself. He was particularly interested and helpful when I was writing my dissertation. Friday will be a special day for us both.

Sir James Black, who celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this month, has been Chancellor of the University of Dundee for eleven years. He has recently been cited as one of the greatest living Scotsmen, his invention of beta blockers in the 1960s helping thousands of heart patients.

The portrait of the Chancellor was commissioned by Dr Pat McPherson, Vice Chairman of the Ninewells Cancer Campaign and is a gift to the University from him. The portrait was painted by South African artist Helene Train.

Helene Train is flying from South Africa to present the portrait to the Chancellor this Friday.

Nearly 100 students from the Isle of Lewis to Korea will graduate at this Friday’s Design School ceremony in Graphic, Textile, Jewellery and Metal, and Interior and Environmental Design.

Fiona McConnell who attracted attention at this year’s Degree Show for her aprons will graduate on Friday. Inspired by her family's history as bakers and a personal love of the kitchen and its importance in family life, Fiona transformed the apron from something easily hidden away behind a kitchen cupboard into a fashionable piece of clothing that would not look out of place on the catwalk.

Keith Wooldridge, whose 21st century kilts were featured on GMTV’s LK today programme will also graduate Master of Design.

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