Honorary graduates inspire the Class of 2022
Honorary guests from music, business, sport and mental health advocacy inspired the Class of 2022 at the final day of GCU’s summer graduations.
Simon Neil, a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter with the award-winning Scottish band Biffy Clyro, received a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) in recognition of his continued inspiration to creatives the world over.
He said: “I’ve always had a pang of regret that I abandoned my studies to pursue music, so today is a very proud moment for me.
“Sharing a stage with all you inspirational people drives me on, even 20 years into my career. You’ve all just navigated very uncertain times and come through it with a degree, so you need fear nothing.
“My advice to you would be this: we were told that unless we changed the band’s name and moved to London, we would never make it in the music industry. We stuck to our beliefs and proved everyone wrong. You must stick to your beliefs. Where a space doesn’t exist for you, create one. As we say in Glasgow, ‘gie it laldy’.”
Simon was joined by curler Vicky Wright MBE, who received a Doctor of Science (DSc) for her outstanding contribution to public wellbeing through her work at the front line of nursing and her recent success in the Olympic Games.
She told graduates: “This University has already taught me invaluable skills and has played an important part in my life and my career. It is an honour to be recognised today.”
In the afternoon ceremony, Jonny Benjamin MBE, received a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for his outstanding commitment and contribution to mental health services and suicide prevention. Jonny is a mental health campaigner, author and vlogger. In January 2014, he launched a social media campaign called 'Find Mike' to search for a stranger who had talked him out of taking his own life in 2008.
He said: “You have overcome an extremely challenging period and you should be super proud but it is still a tough time for all of us. Make looking after your mental health a priority. Never let anything compromise it - employers, relationships. social media. It comes first.
"I have suffered a lot along the way. It’s OK to struggle. Remember the brain is an organ like any other. If something went wrong with your heart you would get help straight away. The brain is no different. Getting help isn’t easy but we are doing everything we can - and working with GCU - to change things for the next generation.
"Look after those precious brains. I wish you good mental health. It’s OK to stumble. You will overcome. Fall down seven times, stand up eight. In the words of your Chancellor Annie Lennox, when you feel it’s the end of the world, it isn’t. Follow a spot of light. It will lead you. May you always find the light you need."
Ian Urquhart CBE received a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) for his outstanding leadership, development and senior management of quality iconic Scottish products, notably Cashmere and whisky, with a wealth of other contributions across many sectors. Chairman of Johnston's of Elgin, a Scottish company, established in 1797 and known for its high-end cashmere products, Ian is a past director of Food & Drink Scotland, and was heavily involved in the whisky industry as managing director of Gordon & MacPhail.
He said: “I would encourage you all to enjoy building on the rich experiences, skills and knowledge you have gained in your valuable time at GCU. Please don’t overthink the future. Although you feel you are moving on today, you will always belong to the GCU community that I’m proud to join today. Every day should be a school day and I wish you success as you move to the next chapter.”