St Andrews degree honour all part of the high life for Alan
One of Scotland’s best-known stars of stage and screen swept into St Andrews today to join hundreds of students graduating from the country’s top university.
Swapping his trademark tartan Traitors wardrobe for the traditional honorary graduate black gown and red silk with white satin hood, Alan Cumming was awarded a Doctor of Laws (LLD) in recognition of his incredible service to the arts, in all its forms.
In his address to graduating students, Alan said: “You must never stop learning, you must never stop being curious… It’s so important to stay open to the possibility of life and this was only the beginning of your education. This maybe have been your formal education, but learning never stops, so embrace it. Embrace curiosity.”
Multiple award-winner Alan, who presents the US version of hit TV show The Traitors, was recently appointed as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and will next year bring a musical version of his much-loved sitcom The High Life to theatres across Scotland.
Alan, who attended with his husband Grant Shaffer, his mum Mary Darling, and his Costa-Rican rescue dog Lala, is co-writing the the show with long-time friend and collaborator Forbes Masson, and playwright Johnny McKnight, who is also Reader in Creative Writing at the University.
Earlier in the day the University honoured Professor Philip Rees with a Doctor of Science (DSc) for his contribution to research into migration and demography.
Receiving his honorary degree, Professor Rees told students: “International, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary collaborations in university research and teaching are vital for producing innovative ideas and projects. St Andrews follows that mantra; appreciating that societies that think intelligently about the future, provide the best future for their members.”
“In your new jobs or roles, whether in academia or elsewhere, please remember what you learned here about the need for honesty, rigour, and proper citation in your work.”
Alan and Philip were joined by graduates from the School of Art History, School of Chemistry, School of Computer Science, and School of Mathematics and Statistics.
Category University news