When Mandy Dobie graduates from Aberdeen on Thursday 27 June with an MLitt in Scottish Heritage (with Distinction), a few months ahead of her 60th birthday, it will be for the second time, having previously graduated in 1986 with a BSc in Natural Philosophy.
Following her graduation in 1986, Mandy worked as a technical editor in St Andrews but, keen to use her degree more directly, she completed a PGCE in secondary education at Warwick University and went on to teach Physics for thirty years in Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Birmingham. Her roles varied from Head of Physics to Key Stage 3 Science Co-ordinator and, even in retirement, she maintains a STEM link, assessing extra-curricular projects for the British Science Association.
In 2021, with other activities on hold due to the pandemic, Mandy picked up a thread from the Scottish History course she studied as an undergraduate by completing the online postgraduate Scottish Diaspora course offered by the University. Having enjoyed the challenge so much, she decided to transfer to the full MLitt in Scottish Heritage. Shortly before submitting her dissertation in March, Mandy was delighted to be able to spend an interesting weekend with other History postgraduates and staff at The Burn.
Mandy has returned to visit the University on numerous occasions over the years such as for the May Festival, services in King’s College Chapel and, in 2022, the memorial event for Dr John S Reid in Elphinstone Hall. She is now looking forward to celebrating her second Aberdeen graduation on campus with her parents and her niece, a fellow Aberdeen alumna.
When Mandy made a will several years ago, she decided to include a bequest to the University of Aberdeen so that future students would benefit. By leaving an unrestricted gift in her will, her generous commitment will allow the University maximum flexibility when prioritising its use.
If you would like to speak to us about leaving a gift in your will to the University of Aberdeen, please contact Vanessa Holmes, Legacy Giving Officer, on +44 (0)1224 274132 or email vanessa.holmes@abdn.ac.uk.
