30 June 2004

A familiar graduation

Photo opportunity - after the afternoon graduation ceremony, approximately 3.45pm, Thursday 1 July, Caird Hall steps, Dundee.

When Abi Davies' name is called tomorrow (Thursday 1 July) at her graduation ceremony she will know the voice calling her very well indeed. Abi is married to the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering who will announce the graduands at the engineering graduation ceremony.

Abi (33) has been studying for a Master of Science in Applied Computing for the past year having taken her undergraduate degree in ancient history in Cardiff. Currently involved in building an exciting database for All Saints church in St Andrews, Abi is collecting and databasing information on the church's history, building and contents for students or visitors to use for research.

Abi who is married to Professor Michael Davies, Dean of Engineering at the University of Dundee, is now looking for a job that combines her enthusiasm for history and public service with her computer and databasing skills.

Abi said: "It is a bit of a jump to go from ancient history to computer programming but I feel I can now uniquely combine the two. I also feel a great sense of achievement gaining an MSc as is it not very easy for someone with an arts bias to conquer a science course."

"Graduating will be slightly nerve wracking because I wasn’t planning on going to the ceremony but my husband Michael persuaded me that it will be fun and a special day for both of us. It will be funny to hear him call my name on the stage!"

Abi will graduate in Thursday afternoon's graduation ceremony (1 July).

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