A Beautiful Háskólahátíð in Hrafnseyri
The University Centre of the Westfjords celebrated Háskólahátíð, its annual graduation ceremony, in Hrafnseyri on June 17th, Iceland’s National Day. The day went beautifully, with sunshine over Hrafnseyri, although the wind reminded everyone that we were still very much in the Westfjords.
Háskólahátíð is a yearly tradition where we celebrate the graduation of students from the master’s programmes at the University Centre of the Westfjords, as well as distance learning students in the Westfjords. This academic year, 24 master’s students handed in their theses in Coastal Communities and Regional Development or Coastal and Marine Management. Both programmes are taught at the University Centre in cooperation with the University of Akureyri, from which students formally graduate.
The celebration brought together graduating students, families, staff, instructors, friends of the University Centre, and other guests. The programme included the National Day celebrations in Hrafnseyri, followed by the Háskólahátíð ceremony with addresses from Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, Rector of the University of Akureyri; Maxine Westhead, on behalf of instructors and staff; Katrin Zender, on behalf of graduating students; and Catherine Chambers, Director of the University Centre of the Westfjords.
We are incredibly proud of our graduating students and all that they have accomplished during their time with us. We are also deeply thankful that they chose to come to the Westfjords to study, live, and become part of our community. Their presence, curiosity, and hard work enrich the University Centre and the region as a whole.
The ceremony concluded with diplomas and hats, the group song “Hafið bláa hafið”, photographs, and the traditional tree planting.
We warmly congratulate all graduates and thank everyone who joined us in Hrafnseyri for this special day.