Graduation Ceremony at Reykjavík University in Eldborg

A celebratory atmosphere filled Harpa Concert Hall on Saturday, June 20, as 720 students graduated from Reykjavík University. Two graduation ceremonies were held in Eldborg: graduates from the School of Technology received their degrees before noon, while graduates from the School of Social Sciences graduated in the afternoon.

From the School of Technology, 373 students graduated, including 311 undergraduate students and 57 master's students. From the School of Social Sciences, 348 students graduated, including 245 undergraduate students and 103 master's students.

In total, four students completed doctoral degrees: two from the Department of Computer Science and two from the Department of Engineering.

Dr. Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, president of RU, delivered an address in which she spoke about reality and the importance of using one’s education to distinguish between reality and accepted scientific knowledge on the one hand, and opinions and matters of belief on the other.

She cited the Swedish physician Hans Rosling, author of the book Factfulness (published in Icelandic under the title Raunvitund), which is about “the secret, silent miracle of human progress” and largely concerns the advances that all of us—and Western media in particular—tend to overlook:

“I therefore encourage you to use your education to seek out information for yourselves and not allow anyone else (except, in certain cases, those closest to you who care about you) to shape the world or the truth on your behalf. And since I have mentioned reality, I also urge you to use the training you have received in scientific methods to distinguish between facts and accepted scientific knowledge on the one hand, and opinions and matters of faith on the other. Of course, the methods and findings of research may—and should—be challenged; questions should be asked, doubts raised, and studies repeated. Indeed, that is precisely how science progresses, how new methods become established, and how the ‘silent miracle’ comes about. In the same way, it is through critical discussion that the best decisions are made in companies and in society.”

Særún Björk Jónasdóttir, who graduated with a BSc in Industrial Engineering and Management and served as the outgoing president of the Reykjavík University Student Association (SFHR), and Guðmundur Daníel Erlendsson, who graduated with a BSc in Law, delivered speeches on behalf of the graduating students.

Dr. Ólafur Eysteinn Sigurjónsson, Dean of the School of Technology, addressed the graduates from the School of Technology, while Dr. Bryndís Björk Ásgeirsdóttir, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, delivered an address to the graduates from the School of Social Sciences. Andri Þór Guðmundsson, Chairman of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce, gave a speech on behalf of the Chamber and presented awards to students for outstanding academic achievement. Musical performances were provided by Sigríður Thorlacius and Guðmundur Óskar Guðmundsson. The ceremony was hosted by Gréta Matthíasdóttir, Director of Student Services.