Ceremonial Events
Ceremonial Events
Throughout the academic year, the University hosts several ceremonial occasions, both on campus and within the City of Glasgow. These events encompass a variety of gatherings, such as Senate Guest Nights, the Annual Cathedral Service, and Commemoration Day, which commemorates the establishment of the University.
We extend a warm invitation to staff, students, alumni, and the wider community to join us whenever possible.
Annual University Service
All members of the University are invited to attend the Annual University Service at Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday 9 March 2025, part of the University celebrations of the 850th anniversary of the City of Glasgow.
The university has enjoyed a close affinity with Glasgow Cathedral since its foundation in 1451 by William Turnbull, Bishop of Glasgow from 1447 to 1454, and being originally located nearby.
Today, we celebrate our continuing links to the Cathedral by joining an annual service of celebration, to which all members of the University are mostly warmly invited.
The service will take place in Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday 9 March 2025 at 11.00am, and will be followed by a procession to Glasgow Necropolis for a moment of Commemoration.
Those wishing to participate in the academic procession are requested to assemble in the Sacristy by 10.45am. Academic attire (gown and hood) will be worn on this occasion. Individuals may also wear white bow ties. Please alert the Ceremonial Events Team of your interest in participating by Monday 3 March 2025.
Senate Guest Night
The next Senate Guest Night will be held on Tuesday 11 March 2025 in the Senate Room at 7.00 for 7.30pm.
As 2025 is the 850th Anniversary of the City of Glasgow, we are delighted that the guest speaker on this occasion will be The Deacon Convener of the Trades House of Glasgow, Richard C Paterson OBE.
Richard has spent almost 60 years in the Scottish whisky industry and is a third generation whisky blender. Richard started his whisky career in the 1960s and in the 1970s became Master Blender at Whyte and Mackay aged only 26. Richard was reputed at that time to be Scotland’s youngest Master Blender, subsequently earning the title “the Nose”, a mark of distinction that has remained with him ever since. Richard has been Past President The Institute of Wines & Spirits of Scotland, The 49 Wine & Spirit Club of Scotland, Spirit Chairman of both The International Wine & Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge, as well as joining the Management Committee for The Keepers of the Quaich, which has allowed him to be passionately involved in education. His charity work has included being a past President of The Scottish Licensed Trade of the Benevolent Society, working at the Trades House of Glasgow as Visitor of the Incorporation of Maltmen in 1987 and later Deacon of the Incorporation of Coopers in 2001 as well as a member of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and Coopers of London. In the 2021 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List, Richard was awarded an OBE for ‘Services to the Scotch Whisky Industry’. Later that year, Richard joined the Trades House of Glasgow Platform as Collector Elect and Deacon Convener in 2024.
Senate Guest Nights provide an excellent opportunity for university staff to introduce guests to the University as well as to meet other colleagues from around the University in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. University Staff are very warmly encouraged to come along and to invite personal guests to accompany them, although they are not obliged to do so, as the Senate Guest Night provides a wonderful forum to which to bring guests to the University.
Registration for this event will close on the Friday 21 February 2025.
Commemoration Day
The University of Glasgow's founding in 1451 is commemorated annually on Commemoration Day.
The day's events include:
- A Service for the Commemoration of Benefactors held in the University Chapel at 9:45am.
- A University Meeting at 11am in the Bute Hall, presided over by the Chancellor, where Honorary Degrees will be conferred upon distinguished individuals. Following this, there will be a drinks reception in the Quadrangles.
- Commemoration Day Lunch, hosted in the Hunter Halls at 1pm.
The upcoming Commemoration Day is scheduled for Wednesday, 12 June 2024.
Find out more Commemoration Day
Academic Robe Hire
Staff members who wish to participate in Graduations and other Ceremonial Events can hire gowns through the Ede & Ravenscroft's gown ordering system. To set up an account, please email staffgowns@glasgow.ac.uk.