Celebratory ceremony marked the end of studies

The graduation ceremony is the University's way of thanking the students who graduate for their years at the University. The ceremony marks the end of the studies and is at the same time a starting point for the future that awaits after the studies.

When a total of more than 3,000 dressed-up students, expectant guests and staff from the University took their seats in the arena on Friday afternoon last week, the atmosphere was at its peak.

The emcees were Halmstad Student Union’s President Linnea Håkansson and Vice President Victoria Gerelius. The programme included music, humor, inspiring speeches and the presentation of the Student of the Year and Alumnus of the Year awards.

“Halmstad University has fantastic students”

The first to speak to and thank the students for their time at the University was Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman.

“As Vice-Chancellor of the University, I am happy and proud to be able to dedicate this tribute to you. Halmstad University has fantastic students. You have fought through your studies with many hours of hard work and are now at your graduation. You have invested in an education that gives you fantastic opportunities for your way forward in life,” said Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman.

Christian Gyrling is Alumnus of the Year

Next it was time to present the Alumna/Alumnus of the Year award, which is given each year to an alum who has distinguished themselves especially after their studies at the University. This year's alumnus is Christian Gyrling, who has a decades-long career behind him as a game developer in the United States.

In his speech to the graduating students, he shared his career experiences and gave good advice for working life.

“It is a great honour for me to receive the Alumnus of the Year award. When I think back on my time at Halmstad University, it fills me with joy”, said Christian Gyrling in a video greeting to all students and continued:

“Don’t be afraid when you enter working life. Take on challenges. Take on challenges where you don’t already have the knowledge of what it takes to do something and rely on knowing how to absorb new information. Keep asking questions. It’s the only way to learn.”

Four students were recognised as Student of the Year

Traditionally, the Student of the Year award was also awarded to one student from each School who has distinguished themselves a little extra during their studies. This year’s recipients are Stephanie Huang Karlsson at the School of Information Technology, Hadi Musa at the School of Business, Innovation and Sustainability, Leon Johansson at the School of Health and Welfare and Marcus Nilsson at the School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Present to hand out flowers and diplomas to the four students was Pro Vice-Chancellor Malin Hallén. The students also got to answer questions about the award and their plans for the future.

“Above all, all the fantastic people I’ve met and all the great memories we’ve created together”, Marcus Nilsson replied when asked what has been the most fun thing about his time as a student.

“For a safe future that we all want to live and work in”

The graduation ceremony 2024 then came to an end with Student Union President Linnea Håkansson's speech to the students.

“Now that it’s time for you to turn the page and start the next chapter, I want you to take one thing with you – courage. Together we create change and a secure future that we all want to live and work in. Let us do it with great courage. Good luck and I hope to see you again.”

After that, the arena doors opened and the happy students took their first steps into life after their studies, now as alumni from the University and with an education at hand.