President awarded Honorary Doctorate

At a ceremony on 1 July at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, Professor Lady Sue Black received a Doctor of Science degree in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the scientific field of forensic anthropology and to academic leadership.

In her address to the graduands, Professor Lady Black reflected on the power of education as both a personal lifeline and a social force. 'Education is a weapon,' she said. 'And you have the responsibility, when you hold that weapon, to decide how you will use it.' She urged graduands to look back at the people who made their journey possible − teachers, mentors, family members, even unlikely sources of inspiration − and to carry forward that legacy by lifting others.

Professor Lady Black credited her success to the support of those who believed in her when she didn’t yet believe in herself. 'You have achieved it,' she told graduands. 'But you have not done it alone − and none of us do.'

Professor Lady Black closed with a powerful reminder of humility and gratitude: 'The higher up you go in your careers, and you will − please don't forget the people climbing the ladder behind you. Be kind, be selfless, be gracious. Celebrate today, but above all else, please remember to say thank you.'

At the same ceremony, the pioneering games developer and BAFTA winner Jon McKellan was awarded a Doctorate in Technology in recognition of his outstanding commitment to innovation in games development and industry leadership, and his support for the next generation of games development talent.

On 2 and 3 July, four other distinguished individuals will also receive honorary doctorates from Glasgow Caledonian: the decorated international footballer Rachel Corsie; the fashion entrepreneur and UN delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women 2024, Maggie Smart; the young insurance professional and CEO, Mike Hammond; and the founder and CEO of the patient-led heart failure charity Pumping Marvellous, Nick Harshorne-Evans BEM.