Over 1900 St Andrews University students to take part in virtual graduation

Degrees will be conferred to the class of 2020 via virtual ceremonies to be premiered on social media from July 27-31. Principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Sally Mapstone will preside as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are conferred, and prizes awarded.

Class of 2020 honorary graduate and alumna of the university, Dr Fiona Hill, the former US National Security Council official who testified at Donald Trump’s Congressional impeachment hearings in Washington D.C., has recorded a special message for the class of 2020:

Dr Hill said: “We are living through a difficult time in our history that will require all of us to step up and put our skills to the test. You are graduating from one of the oldest and greatest universities. At many junctures in St Andrews’ storied 600 years there have been times like this, when the world needs those with a St Andrews education to set things to rights.”

Messages from fellow students, friends and family will be shared on social media using #Saints2020 during the week of virtual ceremonies. The class of 2020 will join in the celebrations on-line, recreating their own garden party’s and slice of St Andrews wherever they are in the world. The class of 2020 will return to St Andrews to take part in graduation ceremonies and celebrate with friends and family in person in June next year.