Celebrating achievements and new beginnings
The atmosphere was joyful as around 460 students celebrated during Stockholm University's Conferment of Master’s Degrees. The ceremony marked the end of several years of academic studies and the beginning of new chapters in life.
During the evening, Aula Magna was filled with graduates, their families and friends. The event celebrated a major milestone in the lives of the students – the completion of a master’s degree.
“It feels both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking to be here,” said Ellen Millberg, who recently completed the Master’s programme in health care counselling. “It’s a wonderful way to end this period of my life, and I’m really looking forward to celebrating with family and friends.”
Ellen Millberg recently completed the Master’s programme in health care counselling. Photo: Sofie Trosell
A chance to reunite with coursemates
Tim Chambers, who completed a master’s degree in ecology and biodiversity, shared how much he had been looking forward to the evening.
“I’m so happy to see my coursemates again. We finished our studies a year ago, so it’s great to finally meet up and celebrate together.”
Tim Chambers is looking forward to celebrating with his friends. Photo: Sofie Trosell
A proud moment for students and the University
The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Vice President Clas Hättestrand, who highlighted the importance of an academic degree.
“Earning a university degree is a significant achievement. For everyone graduating today, this is a key milestone in both your studies and your career,” he said.
He also emphasised that the graduates carry the University’s most important asset – knowledge.
“What you’ve learned during your studies will help you contribute to a better society and address both todays and tomorrow’s challenges.”
“The world is yours”
Hermela Embaye, President of the Stockholm University Student Union, reflected on what a degree truly represents.
“Your degree represents sacrifice, endurance, and dedication. Congratulations on your past effort, your current accomplishments, and your future possibilities. You are powerful and more equipped than ever to contribute to the challenges of our time – the world is yours.”
Proud to reach her goal
Endi Chelidze, who completed the Master's programme in applied social research, spoke about what her degree means to her.
“I feel so proud to have reached my goal and completed my degree. As an international student, there’s so much more to adjust to beyond just studying, so I’m especially happy to have made it.”
Endi Chelidze has reached her goal and completed her degree. Photo: Sofie Trosell
Knowledge for life
Alumni coordinator Karin Bohlin Folcker gave the closing remarks and reminded the graduates that learning is a lifelong journey.
“During your studies, you often know what comes next. From now on, the path might not be as clear. But you’ve read the travel guides, learned to read the map, and use the compass – your degree gives you endless possibilities.”
She encouraged everyone to stay connected with their alma mater.
“And you’re always welcome back to top up your knowledge – lifelong learning is more important than ever.”
“A real celebration”
Bjarne Däcker, who returned to university later in life and recently completed a master’s degree in geological sciences, summed up the evening with enthusiasm.
“I’m so happy to be here – it’s a real celebration! It was a formal yet warm ceremony with beautifully concise speeches.”
The evening also featured performances by the Stockholm University Choir and a brass quintet from the Royal College of Music. Diplomas were handed out, and the ceremony was filled with applause, music and cheerful celebration.
Bjarne Däcker who returned to university later in life and recently completed a master’s degree in geological sciences. Photo: Sofie Trosell
A festive finale
One person who has long played a key role in the ceremony is conferment marshal Emilia Nygård. This was her final time participating in the conferment ceremony. During her studies, she was active in student life and faculty associations, which led to her role as a student marshal.
“It’s been such a joy to witness the happiness of all the graduates. It’s a beautiful and festive event that I wish more people could experience. Of course, taking part for the last time is a bit emotional, but it also feels good to pass the torch.”
Emilia Nygård and Clas Hättestrand both taking part in the conferment ceremony for the last time as conferment marshal and Vice President. Photo: Sofie Trosell
Facts about the master's conferment
- The faculties' congratulations and best wishes for the future were given by the conferrers, i.e. the people appointed by each faculty to award the diplomas to those present: Magnus Nermo, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Jane Reichel, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Laura Álvarez López, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and Nicole Pamme, Section Dean of the Faculty of Science.
- The ceremony was divided into two ceremonies; one for the Faculty of Social Sciences and one for the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Science. Student marshals from the University's various student unions and faculty associations contributed to the execution of the ceremonies.
- The ritual of the academic ceremonies has its roots in the European medieval universities. Magisterpromotionen (from the latin word promoveo “promote”) used to be the formal ceremony where a university gave the ones entitled there the sign of their new dignity as a Master or Doctor.
Last updated: 2025-05-26
Source: Student Services