More than 900 students were conferred degrees from Abertay University at the annual summer graduation ceremonies.
Watched over by almost 3,000 family and friends from the galleries of the Caird Hall, graduates crossed the stage to have their degrees conferred by Professor Nigel Seaton, the university’s principal and vice-chancellor.
Honorary degrees were awarded to celebrity chef Nick Nairn, social scientist Professor Laurie Taylor and experimental psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman.
Richard Wiseman’s work examines a range of psychological topics, including “luck-illusion”, belief in the paranormal and the psychology of change.
He said he was “honoured” to have been awarded an honorary degree from Abertay.
“Seeing all of the students collect their degrees from the stage was a very positive experience,” he said.
“The pride and realisation of what they achieved was wonderful to witness.
“It truly was a delight to be involved in the graduation ceremony, and I am honoured to have been honoured.
“My work is about getting psychology ‘out there’, and being awarded this honorary degree can help that happen.”
Addressing students, Professor Seaton congratulated them for their hard work and perseverance throughout their studies and reminded them they are part of a large network of Abertay alumni.
He said: “You have all followed your own path through Abertay. You all, I’m sure, have some great stories to tell. What you have in common is that you have mastered your field of study, and that you have faced some pretty tough challenges along the way.
“University is about learning and developing as an individual. The challenges you have faced have been personal challenges, and your achievements are your own. But university is also about friendship, and comradeship, and about being part of a community – the Abertay community.”
He added: “As a university, we have as one of our objectives to inspire and enable our students, staff and graduates to achieve their full potential.
“We certainly hope we have done some ‘inspiring and enabling’ during your time with us. We also hope we have provided a foundation for your continued learning, throughout your working lives.
“Of course, an Abertay education is not just a preparation for the world of work. It is a preparation for life, and I know that your experience at Abertay will equip you for voluntary work, public service and a whole range of contributions to the wider community.
“As you go out into the world, as the Abertay Class of 2016, you remain part of the Abertay family. You are now members of the Abertay Alumni Network – a diverse community of over 26,000 graduates who live and work throughout the world and are proud to say they studied at Abertay.”
