Scholarships were awarded at the Deans’s List Ceremony of Reykjavík University on Wednesday, September 10. This time, 49 students made the Dean’s List

Dr. Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, president of RU, delivered a speech in which she emphasized the importance and value of the effort that leads to success in studies.

But what I find most important, for you and for the future, is the work that brought you to this point. You have all made great efforts to be here today. That work is of great value, what you have learned so well truly matters, and you will always carry with you the experience of having worked hard and reaped the rewards.

She also spoke about the importance of critical thinking:

At RU, we place great emphasis on nurturing and strengthening critical thinking, and no less on fostering humanity—both among you students and within ourselves. In this way, we can make better use of the technological changes that are already transforming major aspects of our society, and be at the helm rather than watching from the sidelines. Here at RU, we are excited to work with you students to find the best and most creative ways to ensure that technological development across different areas of society will be as positive as possible.

Ragnhildur’s speech can be accessed here.

Sara Arndís Thorarensen, a student in the BSc program in Energy and Mechanical Engineering, delivered a speech on behalf of the students. In her address, she spoke, among other things, about the importance of the journey itself rather than just the outcome.

I learned that the final outcome actually matters very little; it is the journey that brings you to your destination that is truly important. And this, in fact, applies to everything in life. The question is not where you are going—some particular destination—but how you get there.

Ásthildur Gunnarsdóttir, Director of Communications at RU, led the ceremony, and the Deans of the departments presented students with certificates of recognition.