Dundee College hosts its last formal awards ceremony today when more than 350 students walk across the stage of the Caird Hall to shake hands with principal Christina Potter.
From Friday, the college, having merged with Angus College, will officially become Dundee and Angus College.
About 1,500 guests, family and friends of the students are attending the awards ceremony, which recognises the achievements of those who have successfully completed advanced programmes such as Higher National Certificates or Diplomas and post-graduate courses.
Dundee City is formally represented with the presence of Lord Provost Bob Duncan among the platform party.
Also taking to the stage are members of the student body, with student president Graham Ramsay giving an address.
David Dorward, chief executive of Dundee City Council, is guest speaker.
While acknowledging the changes the merger will bring about, Ms Potters’ speech concentrates on the achievements of Dundee College students and how special the day is.
She will tell the students: “Today’s graduation ceremony is rather special.
“It is the very last Dundee College graduation. This ceremony is, therefore, the last occasion when I will be able to reflect solely on the achievements of Dundee College and its contribution to education and economic success.
“As principal of the college, it gives me great pleasure to lead this final Dundee College graduation ceremony and to witness first-hand the success of our students.
“Success rates at Dundee College for higher education students have always been well above the Scottish average. Today’s graduates raised that success rate to new levels, with 92% of all HNC/D students completing and achieving.
“I would like to thank all of the staff at the college, many of whom are present at today’s ceremony, for their hard work over the year and for supporting our students in achieving such positive success.
“However, the real credit must go to our students. Throughout the year, they have worked very hard. They have not only succeeded in their studies but have also demonstrated many other successes, both within the college and outwith in the community.
“Nowhere is our collective and individual success more evident than at today’s ceremony.”
The walk across the Caird Hall stage is just the last few steps in a near 3,000-mile journey for one Dundee College graduate.
Dimitra Daskalaki came all the way from Crete to study at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance at the college, gaining an HND.
Coming to study in Scotland was a dream come true for the 19-year-old.
“I studied ballet and contemporary dance in Heraklion and was always told that to achieve the highest standards I would have to move abroad,” said the dancer.
“In my mid-teens I had visited Edinburgh and fell in love with Scotland.
“I applied for the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance and was delighted to be offered a place.”
Now the dancer is looking forward to donning the formal academic dress of robe and gown for today’s graduation.
See Thursday’s Dundee edition of The Courier for full lists of graduates.