"It is, in my opinion, our social duty to try to ensure that as many as possible get to enjoy the lasting wealth our educational institutes possess, independent of means, gender or origin," said Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, at the graduation of over two thousand candidates last Saturday. Jón Atli said education is the key to improving the quality of life and supporting a prosperous society. The University of Iceland's aim from its foundation has been to provide Icelandic society with new knowledge. He stated that a university education empowers individuals to participate actively in the development of society, “where knowledge, cooperation and creative thought are utilised to the utmost for increased quality of life and prosperity for all.”
Funding of universities and the education system is thus vital, and a long term commitment. "Investing in education is an investment in the future," said Jón Atli, appealing to the Icelandic government.
The rector talked about the University's success in international rankings, now placed number 13 on the list over Nordic university; the best place it has ever reached. Furthermore, the University is currently ranked number 222 worldwide according the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The Icelandic nation's trust in the University has increased in the last years according to regular evaluations.
"It is absolutely vital that the good will of the Icelandic nation is reflected in the national budget and policy making of the government for higher education. We can under no circumstances let current opportunities slip through our and thus Iceland's fingers."
Jón Atli discussed the new Strategy for the University of Iceland, which is meant to maintain and further the success obtained in recent years. "The Strategy emphasises research as the driving force of new knowledge, teaching and learning as the foundation of progress and prosperity, and the University's active participation in society and industry. Human resources are also given a priority and an emphasis placed on equality, academic freedom, and professionalism in all of the University's work," said Rector. The aim with the new policy is for the University of Iceland to have a wide impact and tackle the complicated challenges currently facing the world.
A total of 2,108 candidates from the University of Iceland received 2,127 diplomas last Saturday. At the end of his speech Rector quoted Robert Kennedy when he congratulated all the graduates and wished them well in new and challenging endeavours. "It is a revolutionary world that we all live in... it is therefore the young people who must take the lead. Thus you, and your young compatriots everywhere have had thrust upon you a greater burden of responsibility than any generation that has ever lived," Jón Atli concluded. One can say that the words of Robert Kennedy are classic as their message is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago at the University of Capetown in South Africa.
The graduates from the University of Iceland in February were 410 in total making the total number this year of graduating students from the University of Iceland 2518.