Graduation Ceremony and Celebration (háskólahátíð)

With Háskólahátið we celebrate the graduation of students from the master’s programmes at the University Centre of the Westfjords, as well as the graduation of distance learning students in the Westfjords.

In the 2024/2025 academic year, 28 master’s students have handed in their thesis in Coastal Communities and Regional Development or Coastal and Marine Management. Both programmes are taught at the University Centre of the Westfjords in cooperation with the University of Akureyri. Formal graduation is from the University of Akureyri but the University Centre will celebrate the graduates in Hrafnseyri on June 17 th – Iceland’s National Day – as is a yearly tradition. Westfjords-based students graduating from any other university are cordially invited to the celebration.

On the occasion of this day, the University Centre welcomes all past and present students, faculty, personnel, board of directors and founders, co-workers and supporters, as well as all associates of the University Centre over the years.

It is an honour for the University Centre of the Westfjords that the rector of the University of Akureyri has yet again accepted to come to the Westfjords on this occasion, as annually. We hope to see many friends of the University Centre on this festive day.

As many of you might have heard, Peter Weiss, UW's director will pass the baton during this year, and although Háskólahátíð will be his formal goodbye, he will remain in his position throughout the summer. Also, Guðmundur Hálfdanarson, Jón Sigurdsson-professor, who has lead us through the ceremony since 2010, will pass the baton.

Schedule:
10:00-10:45     Flight Reykjavík – Ísafjörður
11:15                     Meeting at the University Centre
11:30                    Bus leaving Ísafjörður – Hrafnseyri (registration required)
13:00                   Service in Hrafnseyri Chapel, on the occasion of Iceland’s National Day
13:45                   Hrafnseyri National Day programme. Cake-buffet. Soup and bread for sale,
                              graduates, alumni and students invited
14:15                   National Day's speech: Guðni Th Jóhannesson, President of Iceland 2016-2024
                              Other speeches and addresses, music entertainment
                              New category of toques and goodbye
15:30-17:00     Celebratory graduation ceremony
                              Photoshoot, tree planting
17:30                   Bus from Hrafnseyri back to Ísafjörður (registration required).
                              Airport shuttle can be secured, but registration required!
18:45-19:30     Flight Ísafjörður – Reykjavík

The graduation ceremony is open to the public. It will take place in the open air if weather allows, otherwise
inside the chapel.

The bus rides are free of charge, but only registered spaces can be guaranteed. Departure at 11:30 sharp,
turn up 15 minutes earlier.

Please contact reception@uw.is or call (+354) 450 3040 to register for the bus by 13.06.2025.