Excitement builds for winter graduation ceremonies

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) will celebrate the achievements of two leading STEM ambassadors, a foremost economist, a climate-justice campaigner and a successful entrepreneur.

During the University’s winter graduations on November 28 and 29, GCU is awarding five honorary degrees in recognition of achievements and contributions across a range of backgrounds.

The recipients are:

Women-in-STEM ambassador Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE will be awarded an Award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of her outstanding and inspiring contribution to social enterprise in the form of the ‘Stemettes’ initiative, an award-winning social enterprise inspiring the next generation of females into science, technology, engineering and mathematics roles.

Primary Engineer CEO Dr Susan Scurlock will be awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering in recognition of her outstanding contribution as a STEM ambassador for future generations of young engineers, together with her work in establishing Primary Engineer and significant contribution to the university community of GCU.

Professor Sir David Greenaway, economist and former Vice Chancellor of Nottingham University, will be awarded an Award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution and leadership of the academy, and his fundraising for the common good.

Lady Susan Rice CBE, Chair of Scotland 2020 Climate Group, will receive an Award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Scotland’s economic development, including her commitment to climate justice.

Brian Williamson, CEO of Jumpstart, will receive an Award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his outstanding support to start-up ventures and entrepreneurship together with his generous support for GCU’s Caledonian Club and student-mentoring programmes. 

The honorary guests will join over 1,300 students graduating from Glasgow School for Business and Society, the School of Engineering and Built Environment and the School of Health and Life Sciences, at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE said: “I am delighted to be able to celebrate the work and achievements of these individuals, who are outstanding examples of our university’s enduring commitment to work for the common good."