Honorary guests from business, healthcare and television join summer graduations

Honorary guests from business, healthcare, television and academic governance joined hundreds of students celebrating on the second day of GCU's summer graduation ceremonies.

Scottish entrepreneur Marie Macklin CBE received an honorary doctorate of Business Administration for her outstanding work in the world of business and for the common good.

Marie, who was named Scottish Business Woman of the Year in 2017, drives the Halo project in Kilmarnock, a £65m regeneration of the former Diageo bottling plant in the town, which will create up to 1400 jobs

Professor John Lennon, Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society, added: "Marie Macklin is that rare individual who can be seen to truly embody the Scottish spirit of entrepreneurialism with philanthropy and a genuine concern for others.

“Her career, her generosity of spirit and her regeneration work are locked into a philosophy of giving back, rebuilding, mentorship and the imaginative development of assets, business and people."

Ms Macklin told students at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall: “It doesn't matter where you come from, it's where you're going, and having heart on that journey.”

Meanwhile, Owen Sharp, CEO of Movember Foundation, received an honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his contribution to healthcare and inspirational leadership of the Movember charity.

A former head of Prostate Cancer UK, he warned loneliness poses a huge risk to men’s health and urged GCU students to hold on to their friendships and their links to the University.

Earlier in the day, Scottish comedy writer, producer and director Phil Differ received an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters for his outstanding contribution to television scriptwriting over the last four decades.

He said: "I am so proud, so humbled by this. This is a day I will never forget. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The day was rounded off with Hazel Brooke MBE, a former Chair of Court, receiving an honorary degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Glasgow Caledonian University.

She told GCU's new graduates: “We have been part of an exceptional university at an enormously exciting time. If you reach out to help others achieve a better life, you’ll be real  ambassadors for GCU and the common good and will be happier people.”