A celebration of learning and curiosity

A doctoral graduation ceremony is no ordinary celebration, but a carefully choreographed and magnificent ceremony, where every note and movement is rehearsed down to the smallest detail in less than 2,5 hours. A few minutes after three o'clock, the herald, Rebecka Sanicke, begins with the words: ‘The performance may begin.’ The University of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra then fills the hall with the sounds of Haydn's ‘Clock Symphony’ and the audience rises. 

Colourful and solemn robes

The student marshals march in with their standards and flags, followed by the university management and the deans of the faculties in their colourful and solemn robes – and then all the new doctors in order, most of them dressed in tailcoats and evening gowns, some in national costumes.

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In her opening speech, Vice-Chancellor Malin Broberg highlights the breadth and strength of the University of Gothenburg:

“We have a fantastic wealth of research subjects in seven different areas. Despite their differences, all new doctors are united by a strong commitment and curiosity to learn more and contribute to a better world.

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Then the ceremonial part begins, where each supervisor – partly in Latin – honours the honorary doctors with a hat or a laurel wreath (and a symbolic gold ring) as well as a diploma, and then the new doctors, who receive equally fine diplomas before being led over the parnassus. This passage marks their entry into the community of scholars and their right to pursue academic teaching.

Ten honorary doctors

The university also honoured ten honorary doctors who have enriched its activities with their knowledge and experience. Among them was Pernilla Baralt, Secretary General of UNICEF Sweden, who was appointed honorary doctor at the Faculty of Educational Sciences. Later during the banquet, she gave a powerful and moving speech on children's rights. 

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‘What we all have in common is that we were once children. Today, three out of ten people are under the age of 18, and many are living in war, conflict and a learning crisis that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We must put our knowledge into action to create a better world,’ she said.

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Entertainment was provided by the University of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and students from the Academy of Music and Drama. Particular attention was paid to a piece written by Bibi Ladva and Ole Rosvald Haugen on cello and trumpet respectively, which was exceptionally beautiful.

Pride and dignity

The ceremony ended in the traditional manner with a speech by the chair of the University of Gothenburg's student unions, Petrus Hagby, who addressed the new doctors with an exhortation:

‘Carry your new title with pride and dignity. Let it be a reminder of what you can achieve.’

After two short performances by the University of Gothenburg Academic Choir, the ceremony ended with the outgoing procession to the joyful tones of Handel's ‘Alla Hornpipe’. 

This was followed by a reception with cava and canapés – and celebrations with friends and family. For most, this was just the beginning of the evening, which continued with a grand banquet, entertainment and dancing long into the night to the jazzy tunes of the student orchestra Tongångerne. 

Allan Eriksson