Sharing a graduation experience 69 years apart

Covid restrictions may have prevented graduation celebrations as we have known them but for one family, a trip down memory lane brought the generations together.

Lily Morrison (née Diack), now aged 90, has always held fond memories of her time at the University of Aberdeen. When she began her MA degree in 1949 she was one of only around 3% of women who went on to study at University.

Bread had just come off ration and the scenic surrounds of King’s College offered a taste of freedom she had never experienced before.

But Lily was soon at home in the University and for almost seven decades has treasured the memories of laughter and learning both on campus and on her daily walk from her home in Hilton Street to the University.

So when one of her grandchildren, Euan Everett, accepted a place to study at Aberdeen, Lily was overjoyed. She had high hopes of seeing him graduate from the same institution that she had some 69 years earlier.

Unfortunately Covid put paid to the formal ceremonies so many had hoped for but, determined not to miss out on the experience, Lily’s family arranged a trip from her home in Edinburgh to King’s College.

Daughter Kirstin Everett explains: “The University of Aberdeen has always held a special place in mum’s heart. Not only was it where she came to study – one of only a handful from her generation to make that bold move – it was also where she was married, at King’s College Chapel in 1955.

“She was delighted when Euan told her he had a place to study Mechanical Engineering at Aberdeen and, over the years, it has created a real connection between them.

“Mum longed to see him graduate and to experience the campus again so we decided to hold our own graduation day, making the drive up from Edinburgh.

“We had a wonderful time on King’s campus and when we told one of the porters why we were here, he kindly fetched the key to the Chapel. It was a real trip down memory lane for mum, who could picture where she had walked from the car on that special day, and a first for Euan who had never seen inside it before.

“It may not have been the day we had originally planned but it was truly special for everyone.”

Kirstin says that the memories forged that day – and through their shared university connections – have brought Lily and her grandchildren even closer together.

Lily went on to work as a primary school teacher and, at a time when many women gave up their careers to have a family – returned to the classroom after a short break, continuing to teach until she reached the age of 60 and had to retire.

“It has been quite eye opening for the younger generations of the family to hear about mum’s experience and just how much has changed over the decades,” Kirstin added.

“I don’t think they realised quite how many challenges she overcame to attend University and then to have a professional career

“It’s been wonderful to hear them discussing university experiences, what they have in common, and what’s changed. Our Aberdeen graduation trip has definitely strengthened family connections.”