In his Graduation Address this afternoon, Principal C Duncan Rice will congratulate all the students who are receiving their degrees at the same time as Mr Jack Webster is awarded his Honorary Degree of Master of the University.
Principal Rice will say: “We are here today to congratulate a group of wonderful young people on their achievements and expressing our confident belief that they will go on to make a major contribution in their chosen fields, as so many of our graduates have done down the centuries.”
He will go on to remind them that they are the first generation to grow up in a devolved Scotland and that this will afford them as graduates many exciting opportunities and challenges in business, industry, the sciences and the arts – whatever their choice of career.
He will add: “As well as opportunities you also have obligations, by being part of this new Scotland. It is your responsibility, as well as that of the Parliament, to make Scotland a prosperous and thriving place to live and work. You must do well in your jobs and thus contribute to the financial health of the country, you must protect our natural resources and our fragile environment, you must contribute to the arts, music and literature, you must also welcome everyone of different nationality who chooses to live and work here.”
Principal Rice will also refer to the importance of the University of Aberdeen to the local community, to Scotland, and to the UK as well as internationally in economic, arts and science terms.
“The University of Aberdeen is of enormous economic importance to the region as a provider of educated labour, research and expertise to industry commerce and the public sector. We alone employ more than 2,700 people, directly – making us the second largest employer in the region - and have a turnover of above £110 Million. Our financial impact on the North East economy is between £190-200 Million.
“Our contribution to the artistic life of the City includes offering collections, libraries, concerts, writers in residence, public lectures and exhibitions.”
“Last but not least, we must not forget about our scientists. Last year our industrial grants and contracts amounted to £4.8 Million. This year they are £6.3 Million. This in only a fraction of the £28 Million of research the University has generated this year.”
The University is also awarding Jack Webster, the well-known journalist, the Honorary Degree of Master of the University. Principal Rice will say: “It is also our enormous pleasure to honour Jack Webster, journalist, broadcaster and ambassador for all things Scottish, especially for Aberdeenshire which he loves so much. Jack Webster constantly disproves the oft-held view that Scots lack flair and are dour.”
Finally, the Principal will remind the graduates that they are joining an illustrious group of alumni. “As well as distinguished researchers in the University, you may be heartened to know that we also have many distinguished graduates from all disciplines……..You are certainly in good company in graduating today: Magnus Linklater, journalist and Head of the Scottish Arts Council; Anthony Hilton, City Editor of the Evening Standard; Stephen Carter, C.E.O. of AOL Europe; Will Whitehorn, one of the most senior managers in Virgin; David Reid, Deputy Chairman of Tesco, Ranbir Bahra, Medical Director of Aricept PST, Pfizer Inc, Rebecca Hardy, Editor of 'The Scotsman' and first ever female editor; Susan Rice, C.E.O. of Lloyds TSB Scotland; and Dr Rashida Karmali, an Intellectual Property Lawyer of international standing.”
The Principal will conclude by saying that his closing thought is: “I wish that you will be happy”
Jack Webster is being awarded the Degree of Master of the University for his tremendous contribution to broadcasting and journalism at the University of Aberdeen Graduation Ceremony held in The Mitchell Hall, Marischal College at 3.00 pm today, Friday .
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.