The group of national and international students were from one of the fourteen programmes represented on the day. Together with friends and family, the graduates enjoyed music, listened to inspirational speeches and had the chance after the ceremony to socialise with everyone back on Campus Falun.
A Celebration of Academic Success
Vice-Chancellor Jörgen Elbe, a key speaker at the ceremony, began with an inspirational speech in which he praised students for their achievements:
– To invest in education is to invest in the future. Many of you are now qualified professionals with exciting careers ahead of you. I hope you can truly rejoice in this important milestone. Be sure to look around at your proud relatives and friends who are here to celebrate with you today. Be happy for the good friends you have made over the course of your journey and be grateful for the teachers who have travelled alongside you. Above all, be proud of your performance and achievement. On behalf of all staff, I would like to thank you for choosing to be part of Dalarna University, he said.
Vice-Chancellor Jörgen Elbe och Student Union Chairperson Ebba Erkas.
Also addressing attendees at the ceremony were County Governor Helena Höij, Student Union Chairperson Ebba Erkas, Conference Host Emelie Westergren and former student Stina Jackson. Stina, who graduated in 2018 from the nursing programme, shared some of her best career advice:
– I want to end by urging you all to be sure to have as much fun as possible! Rely on the invaluable knowledge you have gained from your time here, keep the contacts you've made, take in all the experience your future colleagues have, set a good example, laugh a lot, and don't be afraid to move on if that’s what your inner voice tells you to do!
Former student Stina Jackson.
Students were presented with their diplomas during the ceremony, a memory of their time at the University.
The ceremony ended with live music from the local Dalarna band The Showlins and continued with a reception at Campus Falun with family and friends.
Reception at Campus Falun.
Students – Their Future and Time at Dalarna University
– It’s so good – a bit unreal – but so nice to be finally finished, says Anna, who was graduating from the nursing programme.
With a job already lined up, she’ll be at work on Monday morning at the local hospital in the cardiology ward.
Tilda och Anna was graduating from the nursing programme.
Isak and Hugo studied entrepreneurship and described in one word how they felt:
– Euphoric!
Both agreed that their time as students has taught them the importance of friendships.
– You recognise your accomplishments and all you’ve worked hard for. It’s so good to see everyone here today. Our programme was by distance, so to get to come here and meet everyone is fantastic. The chance to get to know so many people and build relationships is something I’ll take with me throughout life. It means a great deal, says Hugo.
Hugo has secured a full-time position while he also runs his own business. Isak plans to continue within academia.
Isak och Hugo studied entrepreneurship.