Winter graduations get under way

Double Paralympics champion Elizabeth Clegg MBE was granted an honorary degree as Glasgow Caledonian University's winter graduation ceremonies got under way at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall.

Sprinter and tandem track cyclist Elizabeth, also known as Libby, is a two-time Paralympics champion and a world-record holder. She received a Doctor of the University in recognition of her outstanding achievements. Despite her deteriorating eye condition, Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy disease, which has left her registered blind, Libby has excelled in her field. She was awarded an MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours list for her contributions to athletics and charity.

She told graduands: “I’ve always had a positive outlook on my sight impairment. I have also always been competitive, so combining this with my running has really helped me become the person I am today.

“My advice would be to enjoy every moment of this time and take every opportunity afforded to you, as this will let you find out what you want to do and help you grow.”

Claire Kilpatrick, Director of KSHealthcare Consulting Ltd, was honoured with a Doctor of Science. She has played a pivotal role in infection prevention and control and has shaped health policies globally. Her work has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), WaterAid, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She has also worked with Glasgow Caledonian’s Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention (SHIP) research group.

Claire told graduands: “It is a great pleasure and indeed a reward to be here today and to support others in their careers.  I believe everyone working in nursing, science and healthcare plays a critical role in not just a patient cure but in global health. I look forward to ongoing relations with the University and wish all of you future success and hope you have very happy memories of today.”