St Andrew’s Day graduations for super Saints
It doesn’t get much more special than celebrating your graduation from the University of St Andrews on St Andrew’s Day.
Graduation ceremonies held at Scotland’s oldest university today (Wednesday 30 November) included the awarding of PhDs to married couple Ethan and Tamara Knudson, who also welcomed two new additions to their family during their time in St Andrews, and a PhD to University staff member Jackie Whalen, who changed the course of her own life to pursue her love of ancient history, as well as degrees for Duncan Mitchell and Sarah Ramage, who provide inspiration for anyone thinking of alternative pathways to Higher Education.
An Honorary degree was also conferred on world-renowned concert violinist Nicola Benedetti, who became a Doctor of Music (DMus).
The final day of ceremonies also celebrated the achievements of 26 returning graduates from the class of 2020 and 2021 who were unable to graduate in person due to the pandemic.
Ethan and Tamara Knudson, who were both awarded PhDs in the Hebrew Bible, with their daughter Eilidh and new-born son, Arlo.
Madison Belote, from Texas, and Scarlette-Electra LeBlanc, who now lives in Cambridge, both celebrated being awarded an MLitt in Romantic Victorian Studies.
Duncan Mitchell, of Dundee, took an alternative path to academic success after realising going straight from school was not for him. This week he celebrated being awarded not one but two degrees from the University of St Andrews, with girlfriend Rebecca Munro.
Mature student Jackie Whelan took her passion for ancient history to a new level when she embarked on an MLitt at St Andrews and this week also celebrated completing her PhD in Archaeology.
Morgan Morris, of Anstruther, celebrated graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Biology and Geography.
Access student Sarah Ramage, of Forfar, realised a dream she never thought would be possible when she graduated with MA (Hons) Geography.
Honorary Graduate Nicola Benedetti in the procession from the Younger Hall to St Salvator’s Quad.
Graduates celebrated their academic success in St Andrews on Wednesday 30 November.
Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office.