St Andrews celebrates exceptional students and Honorary graduates

Graduation celebrations continued at St Andrews today (Tuesday) with students from the School of Modern Languages, School of Psychology & Neuroscience, and the School of International Relations celebrating their academic success.

They were joined by Honorary graduates, novelist Gisèle Pineau and Professor Cynthia Enloe, both awarded a Doctor of Letters (DLitt).

Commenting on being given an Honorary degree, Gisèle added: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition of my literary work. I dedicate it to all those who have contributed to my journey, and to those who continue to fight for a more just and equitable society. Thank you for this distinction, which recognises the importance of literature in our society.”

In her address to students ahead of being presented with her Honorary degree, Professor Cynthia Enloe said: “I watched every single one of you walk across the stage – I noticed your shoes, of course. But I also thought: ‘Don’t be afraid. Do not shrink.’ People are really going to encourage you to shrink your understanding of who you are. They’re gonna call it ‘making a good career move.’ But they are asking you not to be a true citizen of the world. Don’t be tempted. Don’t.”

Dundee woman Eilidh Lucas, who graduated with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience, said the chance to study at St Andrews thanks to the financial support of the Santander Universities UK Scholars Programme, has been “life-changing”.

Eilidh was one of 100 students across from country to be supported through the scholarship programme – a scheme designed to help students from non-traditional backgrounds access Higher Education.

Eilidh, who also built her own small business as an artist making jewellery from foraged flowers and leaves, said: “The scholarship has, without a doubt, allowed me to stay at University; It helped me change my life. It also gave me the freedom to work on my jewellery and try to make a business out of it. So, the Santander Scholarship not only helped me achieve a degree but also helped me build a small business, two things I never dreamed possible five years ago.”

Two students also had more than one reason to celebrate today; in addition to receiving First-Class degrees, both Louise Anderbjörk, who studied International Relations and Sustainable Development, and Amar Singh Bhandal, who studied International Relations, were awarded the Principal’s Medal.

This award was inaugurated sixteen years ago with a gift from three anonymous donors and is supported by Ede and Ravenscroft, believed to be the oldest firm of tailors and robe-makers in the world. The award of the Principal’s Medal recognises students who display exceptional endeavour and achievement during their time at St Andrews.