UW Graduation Ceremony at Hrafnseyri
As tradition holds, the University Centre of the Westfjords' graduation ceremony took place on Iceland's National Day at Hrafnseyri. This year, the event was particularly festive in celebration of UW’s 20th anniversary.
The keynote speaker was former President of Iceland (2016–2024), Guðni Th. Jóhannesson. Margrét Hallmundsdóttir, acting site manager at Hrafnseyri, introduced the old custom of the Fjallkona (Lady of the Mountain), who made a special appearance. Around 150 guests attended the event, which, as always, included soup and bread followed by coffee and refreshments.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the University Centre of the Westfjords (UW), Director Peter Weiss introduced a new hat category to honour members of the Board. Since the beginning, graduates have received hats with a red tassel and an inscription indicating the year of graduation. This year, Board members were presented with hats bearing a blue tassel and the word stjórn (Board). This was a gesture to recognise the significant role the Board has played in the development and strategic direction of the institution. Over the years, the Board has met over 200 times without compensation. According to the director, based on the number of meetings and a typical hourly wage, this contribution can be valued at 10–20 million ISK—making the Board one of UW’s largest benefactors.
The UW Board currently consists of five members: nominated by the municipality of Ísafjörður, research institutions, universities, and the labour market representatives, along with one member elected directly at the annual general meeting.
In attendance were: Halldór Halldórsson, Chair of the Board from 2005–2015 and a key driving force behind the founding of UW; Harpa Grímsdóttir, Chair 2016–2021 and again from 2023–2025; Soffía Vagnsdóttir, Board member during the founding years, 2005–2009; Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir, serving from 2015 to the present; Kristján G. Jóakimsson, the longest-serving Board member, 2005–2019; and Elías Jónatansson, current Chair (2019–, with a previous term as Chair 2021–2023).
Elías Jónatansson addressed the assembly, delivering a heartfelt speech marking the 20th anniversary. He expressed deep gratitude to outgoing director Peter Weiss and praised the staff for their professionalism and commitment to the institution's growth.
Following the celebration was the graduation ceremony for UW students completing their master’s degrees, formally conferred by the University of Akureyri (UNAK). UNAK's new Rector, Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, attended the event and presented diplomas, highlighting the strong collaboration between the two institutions. UW is deeply grateful to the UNAK rectors for travelling all the way to the Westfjords to honour graduates with their presence.
The Rector addressed both the assembly and the graduates. Dr. Matthias Kokorsch, Academic Director of the Coastal Communities and Regional Development master’s program, also spoke and extended thanks to Peter Weiss on behalf of faculty and colleagues. Graduate Aubrey Lynn Newland delivered a moving speech that resonated with the entire audience. Peter Weiss then took the podium, visibly moved by her words as he began his farewell speech.
Graduates from previous years who were unable to attend their own ceremony are always welcome to participate. They are presented with the signature graduation cap, marked with the appropriate year.
Graduates from the University of Akureyri have the option to receive their diplomas from the Rector in Hrafnseyri—and then celebrate at home. This year, Telma Rut Sigurðardóttir, a distance-learning student, chose to attend the ceremony in Hrafnseyri rather than travel to Akureyri.
The UW director also presented graduation documents to archaeologist Margrét Hallmundsdóttir, who recently completed her studies at the University of Iceland but had been unable to attend her own graduation. She was congratulated with a handshake from the Rector, a birch twig from the director, and applause from the audience.
A touching surprise occurred when Guðrún Sigríður Matthíasdóttir, Service Manager and UW’s longest-serving staff member, presented departing director Peter Weiss with a hat featuring a green tassel and the inscription ‘20 ár’ (20 years).
At the close of the ceremony, graduates planted—or took home to plant—their symbolic birch twigs. At Bælisbrekka in Hrafnseyri, a small forest is slowly taking shape: a forest of graduates, representing the pride and essence of every university.
