Celebration as graduation returns

Professional golfer Catriona Matthew OBE and marine and polar scientist Professor Sir Ian Boyd FRS have today received honorary doctorates from the University of Stirling.

Mrs Matthew – a graduate of the University and its sports scholarship programme – was recognised for her outstanding contribution to women’s golf, while Sir Ian – a former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government – was celebrated for his contribution to environmental science.

They received their accolades alongside 719 students at today’s graduation [Friday 1 April] – the first in-person ceremonies to take place at the University since November 2019, due to the pandemic.

Honorary graduate Catriona Matthew OBE.

Mrs Matthew has close ties to Stirling having been the first female to join the University’s international sports scholarship programme in 1987. She has enjoyed a phenomenal career at the top of world golf, having won 11 professional competitions, and becoming the first Team Europe captain to win back-to-back Solheim Cups.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mrs Matthew said: “I am truly humbled to receive such an honour from the University of Stirling. Never in my wildest dreams did I envisage returning almost 30 years after graduating with an honours degree in finance to receive an honorary doctorate.

“It was a pleasure to be back on campus today and celebrate alongside today’s graduates.”

Sir Ian, who is currently Chairman of the UK Research Integrity Office and a professor at the University of St Andrews, said: “It is a considerable honour to become a graduate of the University of Stirling alongside the many other accomplished students graduating today.”

Professor Sir Ian Boyd

Today’s graduation ceremonies were presided over by the University Chancellor, The Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell, and Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Gerry McCormac.

Professor McCormac said: “I extend my congratulations to all of our graduands and honorary graduands on their hard-earned accomplishments.”

719 students graduated from the University of Stirling.

Today’s graduation ceremonies are a new and permanent addition to the University calendar – complementing the summer and winter graduations which are held every year. Most students graduating in April are those graduating from year-long programmes.

Graduations are scheduled to take place 21-27 June to celebrate students who completed their studies in 2020 and 2021 but were unable to attend a ceremony due to the pandemic, and 2022 summer graduates will receive their awards on 29 and 30 June.

This year’s winter graduations are planned for 24 and 25 November.