This year's graduation ceremony was the largest that CHE have ever held, with 50 students, from two academic years, receiving their awards at Augustine United Church on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh on Thursday 25th May.

Not all the graduands could make it to the presentation but they were there in spirit - their presence symbolised by ribbons on an ash tree - the tree of life.

Several of those who could not be present have e-mailed:

Chris Buxton said: “I was delighted to hear the graduation had been a success and thanks to all concerned for all the effort you put in. I really was disappointed not to be able to make it, particularly as I was looking forward to meeting up with everybody once again and also so I could introduce my wife to the wonders of the CHE that she's heard so much about! I've valued my CHE experience very highly indeed.”

From the west coast of Canada, Emily Hunter wrote: “I was so sorry not to be with you yesterday but I have heard from several friends that it was an incredibly life-giving celebration. I wanted to send love from this far corner of the world.”

Rachael Trotman who is in New Zealand said: “I have been keeping track of goings on with CHE with much interest and often think of my time there with huge appreciation and warmth.”

That the ceremony was enjoyed by those who were there was made clear by Oona Corke, who wrote to CHE director Osbert Lancaster afterwards. She said: “I also wanted to thank you for the graduation ceremony, which was very powerful and the meeting that followed it – very, very inspiring and great to be able to be included at this very important time in the journey of the CHE.”

Oona was referring to a meeting on the future of CHE which generated lots of energy and ideas which will be reported on in this newsletter as they advance. A ‘Human Ecology in Action’ event at the Quaker Meeting House in Edinburgh proceeded the graduation. At this event, three recent graduates, Claire Carpenter, Rupert Hawley and Maire McCormack, gave presentations on their work and how human ecology and the CHE have helped them in what they do.

The graduation ceremony was ably conducted by Abbie Marland and Jude Park with considerable help and support from many student and graduate volunteers. Degrees were formally awarded to students from the academic years ending September 05 and September 04. This was the last graduation under CHE's accreditation by the Open University which has now come to an end. The MSc in Human Ecology is now offered through a partnership between CHE and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.