Meet the student marshals ahead of the upcoming doctoral degree conferment ceremony
On Friday, 16 May, this spring’s doctoral degree conferment ceremony will take place in the Blue Hall at Stockholm City Hall, where newly conferred doctors and honorary doctors will be celebrated. Medical students Nora Khatibi and Gottfrid Rehnman are two of the evening’s marshals. Here, they share insights into their roles – and how they prepare for the event.
What are the preparations for the evening like?
Nora Khatibi (NK): "Preparations begin around two months before the ceremony, with planning meetings, a rehearsal lunch, and the recruitment of marshals. I usually start writing my script a few weeks before the event. I also practise pronouncing the names of all promovendi – the new doctors and honorary doctors whose names I read during the ceremony. There are usually around 150 names!"
Gottfrid Rehnman (GR): "We also begin early by handling applications from students who want to serve as marshals. Around 30–35 marshals are involved on the evening of the ceremony. During conferment week, we all participate in a full rehearsal, followed by final preparations leading right up to the start of the event."
You both have special responsibilities during the ceremony – can you tell us more?
NK: "As Chief marshal, I work with the university’s ceremonial team to plan the event. My main responsibility is leading the ceremony from the stage – I welcome the Vice-Chancellor and other academic leaders and read the names of all the promovendi as they come forward to receive their diplomas and doctoral hats."
GR: "I’m the Deputy chief marshal. Like Nora, I help plan the ceremony and guide new marshals in their duties. During the event, I coordinate the nearly 150 promovendi to ensure they are brought to the stage in the correct order, with support from the marshal team."
What happens on the day of the ceremony?
GR: "The day begins around noon, when we arrive at City Hall to make sure everything is in place. Then we get dressed – which takes quite a while, with shirt studs, cufflinks and making sure the vest fits just right. Once the promovendi arrive, we rehearse the entrance procession together."
NK: "Guests start arriving from 4 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 5. The procession starts at Prince’s Gallery with the flag bearers, and President, Vice Presidents, Academic Vice Presidents, honorary doctors and promovendi walking in a formal procession down to the Blue Hall. After the ceremony, a grand banquet awaits in the Golden Hall, with a three-course dinner, entertainment – and dancing to live music into the night."
What is the most enjoyable part of being a marshal?
NK: "Meeting all the new doctors, jubilee doctors and honorary doctors. I find it incredibly inspiring to talk to them and hear about their research and work. Many of them also share valuable insights and advice that I’ll carry with me into my future professional life."
GR: "The best part is contributing to such a memorable and meaningful day for the promovendi and their guests. It’s also an amazing opportunity to take part in such a prestigious event – and it’s truly enjoyable for everyone involved!"