Hello there Master of Ceremonies Hanna Sundelin!
The president of KTH has decided on three changes for KTH’s academic ceremonies going forward. The biggest change concerns the academic ceremony in November – can you tell us more about it?
“For many years, KTH has hosted its grand ceremony in November, which has included both the conferment of new doctors and inauguration of new professors. From now on, the ceremony will be split into two separate ceremonies. The conferment ceremony will be in November and the inauguration of new professors will be moved to March or April.”
Why is the academic ceremony split into two ceremonies?
“To create more focus on the doctors and professors and give them time to enjoy in the limelight. These are two very important ceremonies and we want to give promovendi* and installandi* the attention they deserve.”
What does the new presidential inauguration mean?
“When a new president assumes their role it’s common to have a ceremony that serves both as a closure and a start of something new. KTH doesn’t have a tradition of hosting presidential inaugurations, so I’ve looked to other universities for inspiration. Together with president Sigbritt Karlsson I’m working on a new ceremonial for KTH’s presidential inauguration. We’re planning to have speeches, music and a ritual handover of the presidential chain*. It will be a beautiful start for the new president!”
There will now be three graduation ceremonies, each two days, during 2022 and 2023 – is that more than usual?
“Since we haven’t been able to host the graduation ceremony in the City Hall with guests during the pandemic there are many graduates that are eager to participate now. In order to give more people the possibility of attending the ceremony in person we’re now adding one more ceremony in 2022 and 2023. The new dates for 2022 are already set – the extra graduation ceremony will take place the 14th and 15th February.”
Katarina Ahlfort
Photo: Hanna Sundelin