Brora native's academic achievement marked at special celebration held by UHI Inverness for those who missed out because of the coronavirus pandemic
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Former students of UHI Inverness who graduated during the pandemic, attended a special event last weekend to celebrate their academic success with their families, fellow graduates and staff.
Among them was George Gunn of Brora, who graduated BSc (Hons) Geography in 2020 and now works as a climate change strategy officer at Moray Council.
Around 500 people attended the Graduation Celebration at the Inverness Campus on Saturday, 11th June, to honour the graduates of 2020 and 2021 who had graduated in absentia during Covid-19 restrictions.
UHI Inverness had held online celebratory events and published online graduation brochures in 2020 and 2021 to mark the achievements of graduates, but wanted to provide an opportunity for them to attend an on-campus event for a retrospective celebration.
During Saturday’s celebration the graduates received a congratulatory scroll and had formal graduation photographs taken in their academic gowns.
The attendees enjoyed welcome drinks and a marquee buffet reception. The programme of entertainment included a surprise flash mob by Street Struck Dance from Inverness and Nairn, sketches by local artist and caricaturist, Alex Emel, and music by DJ Scott Mackenzie.
The graduates were welcomed back to UHI Inverness by Principal Professor Chris O’Neil who told them he was delighted that he could at last congratulate them in person.
He said: “You, our graduates of 2020 and 2021 showed extraordinary dedication in extraordinary times. With little warning you adapted your studies and overcame unique obstacles that no other generation of students has faced.
"You demonstrated resilience, determination, and flexibility in unprecedented circumstances, and I am in no doubt that those are valuable strengths that will serve you well now and in the future.”
Ruth McFadyen, UHI Inverness president of Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, said: “The graduates of 2020 and 2021 have been an absolute inspiration to all our students, and I know they are going to go on and do some great things.”
This year’s graduation ceremony will return to Eden Court Theatre, Inverness in September.
