University of Tartu makes a gift to graduates

This year, traditional graduation ceremonies bringing together hundreds of people are not held at the University of Tartu, but ceremonies take place online. The university also makes a gift to the graduates: they now have their own tree and a bench in Tartu city centre. Also, the university main building and the sculpture on the Town Hall Square will be decorated.

On Wednesday, a crabapple tree was planted in Pirogov Park in Tartu city centre in honour of this year’s graduates. In front of the mural of von Bock House, there is now a bench where they can rest their feet, think back on their study years and enjoy the view on Pirogov Park and the crabapple tree.

As large gatherings cannot be organised, the tree planting and the opening of the bench took place on 10 June in a small circle. Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser and Mayor of Tartu Urmas Klaas gave a speech. Karl Gustav Adamsoo, graduate of master’s in Journalism and Communication, spoke on behalf of the graduates.

At the event, Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser said that the memory of the graduation day is one of the most symbolic in a person’s life and it is a pity that this year’s graduates cannot receive their diploma in the assembly hall. “This spring leaves no doubt that we have to keep on educating ourselves to adapt to unexpected circumstances. Highly educated members of the society who continue improving their knowledge are the pillars of the society during difficult times like these,” said the rector in his speech.

In addition to the tree and the bench, the university has decorated its main building in the honour of graduates. On the week of online graduation ceremonies, the Kissing Students’ sculpture on the Town Hall Square will be wearing school caps.

The dedication gift has been wrapped in a video that will be sent to all graduates by email on the week of graduation ceremonies.

The graduation ceremonies of the University of Tartu are held online from 15 to 20 June and can be watched live in UTTV at the announced time.

See the photos of the planting of the crabapple tree and the opening of the bench.

Further information: Piret Normet, UT Head of Marketing, 512 2671, piret.normet@ut.ee