My son studied for his masters degree in chemical engineering at the prestigious Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. After several years of hard work, it was finally time for graduation day and joining the festivities.

The weather in Trondheim can change in a jiffy. The forecast for this June Friday promised everything from sunshine to rain. We were lucky enough only to get the former, topped off with some chilly winds.

The festivities started off at the department level. Here the graduating students were in charge of the program themselves. A speach by the department head, followed by one of the students and then by a representative from the business sector. The diplomas were handed out and we were served some cake and coffee.

While sitting in the lecture hall, it was nice to notice that old traditions haven’t died. Inscriptions in the desks are still a thing when you’re bored.

Then it was time to move on to the faculty level. In the big auditorium, we were served some champagne before moving on to the speeches. This followed the same theme as previously. Then we moved on to prizes. Students that had performed exceptionally well, were remembered by different kinds of stipends. I was quite flabagastered by the level of these students. One had secured financing for doctoral studies, one had already become part of a world class research team and someone had made a breakthrough invention. Remarkable.

After two ceremonies, it still wasn’t over. It was time for the outdoor ceremony where all the graduates from the different faculties were present. More speeches but also great musical performances. All with that casual ease that Norwegians represent.

After the official ceremonies, it was time for the family to have its own celebratory dinner. We had time for a short break and could enjoy the views from our hotel. Looking out of the window, one could see the meandering Nidelva River and the lovely mountains in the background.

On the way to dinner, we walked past some interesting sights in the port. Among them the conning tower of a WWII submarine.

At the end of the semester, with hundreds of graduating students, extra dumpsters have been provided in the student housing neighbourhoods. Young people moving out, finding jobs all around the world and emptying their student dwellings means some extra furniture.

This was an extraordinary experience. Firstly, I don’t believe we have these kinds of graduation events in Finland. The whole event proceeded like clockwork, with an air of official protocol mixed with the laid back, easygoing attitude of Norwegians. What hit me most, was all the official speeches. Each speaker expressed true gratitude to the students for having chosen this university. They were respectful and really hoped that the new masters and bachelors would find their place in this world.