Graduation allows friends and family to remember beloved artist

Published On Tue 21 Jun 2016 by Dominic Younger

Graduation is an emotional time for all involved but the University of Dundee’s ceremony on Wednesday afternoon will take on special significance for the family of the late Connor Craig.

Connor, remembered as a modest, generous and inclusive conversationalist by his fellow students, tragically passed away in March at the age of only 23. He had formed strong friendships at the University, and his loss is still felt across Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design where he was studying Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices.

Connor will be awarded a posthumous degree at the Caird Hall on Wednesday, 22nd June when his family will join his peers for the ceremony. A memorial service will also take place at the University Chaplaincy Centre.

Fondly remembered for his love of philosophy, poetry, outlandish style, strange food and skateboarding, Connor’s life will continue to be celebrated beyond the studio as his unique personality meant that he made friends across the world.

Connor’s parents, Trudy and Andy, will be joined by his sister Ailsa on Wednesday afternoon to receive the award on behalf of their son.

Trudy said, “I’m incredibly sad that we are without Connor but at the same time I’m really proud of what he did and I’m grateful that the University are allowing him to graduate.

“It will be a special day as despite everything he continued to battle adversity and work hard on his studies. It will be a very proud moment to accept the degree for our son. It allows us to celebrate what he achieved.”

Staff and students paid their respects during the Art, Design & Architecture Degree Show last month when a shrine with Connor’s skateboard and flowers honoured his memory alongside the exhibitions of his peers.

The void he has left in the close-knit community of friends in Duncan of Jordanstone led many of them to collect their memories of Connor in a book which they will present to the family at Tuesday’s memorial service.

The University’s Summer Graduation ceremonies take place in the Caird Hall in Dundee from Wednesday, 22nd June to Friday, 24th June. Morning and afternoon ceremonies will take place each day as around 3000 graduates from around the world receive their degrees.

For media enquiries contact:
Dominic Glasgow
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131
Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk