Graduation 2017

Published On Mon 19 Jun 2017 by Grant Hill

Thousands of successful students will feel the tap of the Dundee bonnet this week as the University of Dundee hosts its annual summer graduation ceremonies.

Some 2746 students will graduate with degrees, postgraduate diplomas and diplomas over the course of the week. Six ceremonies will take place at the Caird Hall from Wednesday 21^st-Friday 23^rd June.

Graduation is a time of great celebration for students and their families and graduands in their robes will fill City Square before and after each ceremony, with many later making their way to the Garden Parties held in the heart of the University campus.

The traditional Dundee bonnet – spun, woven, dyed and embroidered for the University by the Dundee Bonnetmakers Craft – is used by the Chancellor, Lord Patel of Dunkeld, symbolically to confer degrees on graduates.

“Graduation is one of the biggest moments in the lives of all those involved and it is always a privilege to welcome our students and their families to celebrate their achievements,” said Professor Pete Downes, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University.

“There will be a buzz right across the campus and city and I’m sure everyone who joins us – including students’ family members who have never visited Dundee before and who will be coming from across the world – will have a wonderful time here.

“This year’s graduation is a momentous one as it comes during our 50^th anniversary and, as we celebrate all we have achieved over the past five decades, it is right to look to the future as well and mark the success of graduands who will go on to achieve great things in their chosen fields in years to come.”

The graduation ceremonies begin on Wednesday and run for the rest of the week, with morning and afternoon ceremonies each day. The morning ceremonies begin at 10am, and the afternoon ceremonies at 2.30pm. Graduation garden parties take place each day at the Campus Green, Balfour Place, from 4pm to 7pm.

Over the course of the week the University is also presenting honorary degrees to leading thinkers and high achievers, local and international. Those receiving the honorary Doctor of Laws include:

• Alan Alda – the award-winning actor, writer and director is recognised across the world for starring in M*A*S*H and The West Wing but it is his work as a passionate ambassador for the communication of science for which he will be honoured.
• Susan Philipsz – Turner Prize-winning artist who studied at the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.
• Dame Katherine Grainger – Great Britain's most decorated female Olympian and a campaigner for access to sport, play, and physical exercise for low and middle income families around the world.
• Judge Tim Eicke QC – Judge of the European Court of Human Rights who graduated from the University with a degree in Scots and English law in 1992.
• David Mackenzie – Dundee graduate and internationally renowned film director whose 2016 feature Hell or High Water was nominated for four Academy Awards.
• David Cunningham – University graduate and Chief Executive of The ARCHIE Foundation, the organisation that raised almost £1million for Tayside Children’s Hospital through the hugely popular Oor Wullie Bucket Trail.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384768
Mobile: 07854 953277
Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk