November's Graduation Ceremony was my first as Rector. By tradition the Rector brings up the rear of the academic procession - preceded by a janitor carrying the  Rector's mace - before taking a seat in the front row of the stage. A feature of most ceremonies is the presence of one or more distinguished recipients of an honorary degree. Sir Jackie Stewart spoke powerfully of the dyslexia which has afflicted him and blighted his schooling.

And I was particularly happy to see my old friend and predecessor as Rector, Simon Pepper, receive his honorary degree for the work he has done with typical enthusiasm and diligence over the past 3 years. Simon and I have known each other for 20 years as he worked for WWF whilst I was with Oxfam and then Friends of the Earth. Here, Simon is with Dr Claire Whitehead, Senate Assessor on the University Court, and Andrew Keenan, Students' Association President.