Graduated masters celebrated in Aula Magna

Students celebrating their degree in Aula Magna. Photo: Rickard Kilström

Around 450 people with a master's or other advanced degree attended the Conferment of Master's Degrees in Aula Magna on Friday. Together with their friends and families, the graduates were celebrated with pomp and circumstance.

Graduation becomes reality

Two students who attended the ceremony were Jeanette Lindstein and Katarina Paulsson. Both studied to become special needs teachers and graduated last autumn.

“It feels fantastic and great to be here," says Jeanette. "It is nice to see your fellow students again and to finish your studies this way. It makes graduation feel more real when you have the diploma in your hand.”

Jeanette Lindstein and Katarina Paulsson. Photo: Sofie Trosell

The ceremony was accompanied by singing and music from the Stockholm University Choir and a brass quintet from the Royal College of Music. 

"It was a solemn ceremony," says Katarina. "You really feel recognized. I wasn't expecting performances, so it was especially nice that they played and sang for us."

A milestone for the university and the students

Vice President Clas Hättestrand congratulated the students on their graduation and emphasised in his welcome speech that this was an important milestone both for them and for the University. He stressed that the graduates are the most important carriers of the University's knowledge.

“Through what you have learnt during your studies, you will contribute to a better society and help to solve today's and tomorrow's challenges.” 

Alicia Dickner, Vice President of the Stockholm University Student Union, wished all the former students good luck.

“Your opportunities are endless. You can be whoever you want, do whatever you want and, most importantly, think whatever thoughts you want. I hope that your time here at Stockholm University has given you faith in the future, conviction in the truth and trust in the community and each other.”

Looking forward to the future

Erik Lopez. Photo: Sofie Trosell

Also present was Erik Lopez, an international student who recently graduated from the Master's programme in Design for Creative and Immersive Technologies. Erik left friends and family in the USA to study at Stockholm University for two years.

“I really enjoyed the ceremony and it feels great to have my degree. I have worked hard for two years and now I have achieved my goal. I am looking forward to the future!”

Stay in touch with the University

“During your studies, you usually know what comes next. From now on, the road ahead may not be so clear. But you've finished the travel books, learned to read a map and use a compass - your degree gives you endless possibilities.”

With these words, Karin Bohlin Folcker, Alumni Coordinator, opened her closing speech, encouraging all students to stay in touch with their alma mater. 

"And remember, you are always welcome back to update your knowledge. Lifelong learning is more important than ever."

Best wishes from the conferrers

The faculties' congratulations, thoughtful words 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: Jane Reichel, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Laura Álvarez López, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Lena Hübner, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Regina Lindborg, Section Dean of the Earth and Environmental Sciences of the Faculty of Science.