Clare Hart, 40, graduated from Abertay University in Dundee on July 10, accompanied by her newborn son Sol, who was born just hours earlier. Baby Sol became the university's youngest ever graduation guest, attending the ceremony at Caird Hall dressed in a tiny suit with waistcoat and bow tie.
Birth and Graduation Timeline
Sol MacIntosh Hart-Gordon was born at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee at 5:15pm on July 9, weighing 6lb 11oz, after Hart's due date of July 3 passed. Despite initial concerns she might miss the ceremony, Hart felt well enough to attend the next day after receiving clearance from midwives. She went home, slept for a few hours, and woke up refreshed.
Achieving a First-Class Honours Degree
Hart graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Health. She expressed delight at being able to attend with her classmates and lecturers. 'The plan was always going to be playing it by ear, and Sol's due date came and went, and I worried that I wasn't going to make it to graduation. I really wanted to be with my classmates and lecturers, and to bring closure to one story before starting my new journey,' she said.
Support System and Challenges
Hart's pregnancy coincided with a busy period of her degree, including assessments and dissertation work. She thanked her family, fellow students, and university staff for their support. 'You're trying to juggle all of these plates and wear all the different hats, and you can't do it on your own. My classmates and lecturers have been so supportive from the very beginning. I feel so lucky and I couldn't have asked for a better support system,' she added.
On the morning of graduation, Hart messaged her class group chat to share the news. 'They couldn't believe it. Everyone's faces lit up when I walked into the Caird Hall to find my seat,' she recalled. Sol remained settled throughout the ceremony, which Hart described as surreal.
Future Plans
Hart, already a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, plans to establish a holistic health and nutrition coaching business, combining her new degree with existing expertise. 'Getting a degree and having a baby are the two hardest things I've done in my life, and I somehow managed to do them together. I'm still processing it all. I truly never thought this would happen for me, and it has changed who I am as a person,' she said.
Partner's Praise
Her partner Darren Gordon, also from Dundee, praised her determination. 'Clare's incredible. This was a completely natural birth, and both baby and mum are happy and healthy. It's just incredible that she was able to make it here – nothing was stopping her and I think it was just meant to be,' he said.
