Sun shines as St Andrews celebrates second day of graduations

The sun shone on St Andrews today (Tuesday 13 June) as graduates in English, Maths and Statistics, and International Relations celebrated their success.

Following ceremonies in the Younger Hall, new graduates took part in the academic procession to St Salvator’s Quad. They were joined by the day’s Honorand, Professor Michael Herzfeld, who received a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) in recognition of his services to anthropology and social sciences.

Robyn Smith stepped up to celebrate her success in being awarded a Masters in Theoretical Physics and Applied Maths. Robyn, from Edinburgh, is now working as an economist in the National Institute of Economics and Social Research. Originally from Colombia, Jadie Arango, who now lives in London, celebrated being awarded an MA (Hons) English and Psychology. She now plans to spend time travelling and setting up her own company specialising in educational tutoring.

Charles Watson, from Reading, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics, shared his day with fiancee Maria Yates, who is due to graduate with an MPhys (Hons) Theoretical Physics next year. Catherine Bone from Kilbarchan in Renfrewshire graduated with an MA (Hons) English.

Jemma Yule, from Mintlaw in Aberdeenshire, celebrated graduating with an MA (Hons) English with her parents and brother, Kieran. Jemma is now going on to train as a primary school teacher in Aberdeen. Isra Al Nour, from London, who graduated with a masters in Maths, has plans to pursue a career in data science. She is pictured with her parents.

Right: Celebrations were in the air for sea swimmer and squash player Harry Jack from Nairn, who graduated with a Masters in Maths (First class).

Harry is pictured wearing his granny’s Fraser family tartan. His advice to new students is to get involved with a sports club or society.

Harry celebrated achieving his degree with his family and girlfriend Hattie Nelligan, who graduated with an MA (Hons) International Relations today.

Below: students and academic staff are pictured taking part in the academic procession and in St Salvator’s Quad.

A former Balwearie High School pupil, inspired by a love of modern studies and politics, celebrated being awarded an MA (Hons) from the University of St Andrews’ prestigious School of International Relations.

Lucy Penman (pictured left), who attended the ceremony with her parents and sister Sophie, said she has loved her time at St Andrews and would encourage any pupils at her former high school to follow in her footsteps.

“I loved all the traditions here – May Dip, Raisin, and the Pier Walk – St Andrews is so special. I loved my course, and everyone has been so helpful.”

Lucy said meeting fellow students from around the world was also a highlight.

She added: “My whole experience here has been unique, I’ve just loved it and I’d encourage anyone thinking of going to University in St Andrews to just go for it.”

Lucy is due to begin working as a governance intern at Legal & General for eight weeks before turning her attention to a career in politics.

Below, graduates celebrate in St Salvator’s Quad in the sun on Tuesday 13 June.