Education / More than 80 students honoured at graduation ceremony
MAREEL was filled with excitement on Friday as awards and celebrations were given to UHI students who completed their studies in the 2022/23 academic year.
It was a special day for many students, families and staff at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) who celebrated their achievements over the course of the year.
Just over 80 students were awarded during the graduation ceremony taking place on Friday afternoon.
The courses completed included a great variety of subjects, ranging from fine art to computing studies, contemporary textiles, aquaculture, early education and childcare, and more.
As the colleges were operating as usual, students were welcomed with a heartfelt congratulations video created by the members of staff throughout the university who were not able to make it on the day.
The opening remarks were introduced by Professor Jane Lewis, the principal and chief executive of UHI Shetland, UHI Shetland board chair Davie Sandison and Vicki Nairn, the principal and vice-chancellor of UHI who travelled to Shetland to attend the ceremony.
The guest speakers for the ceremony included Laura Stronach from Shetland Women’s Aid and NHS Shetland chief executive Brian Chittick. They both spoke about their journey throughout their academic and professional careers.
During the ceremony, awards were given to students Viktor Jaszfi (UHI student of the year), Aimee Hussey (health, care and society student of the year) and Susan Person (creative and cultural industries student of the year).
As well as this, recognition was given through the vice chancellor’s awards to Dr. Lesley McEvoy and Catherine Hepburn who have both now retired from UHI. Special recognition was given to David Sandison for his contribution to UHI during his career.
In her speech to the graduates, Nairn said: “The past year has seen no alteration to the pace of change and challenges in the international, national, local and also personal level, even with the global pandemic behind us.
“I stand before you with immense pride as UHI vice-chancellor, thinking about everything you and your families have achieved in the face of so many obstacles”
She continued: “The past few years have tested us all, and yet we’ve emerged stronger, united and determined to face the future with unwavering resolve.”
Erin Rizzato Devlin
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