University news

The University of Glasgow today awarded six honorary degrees to individuals in recognition of their achievements in the fields of politics, arts, science, sport and humanities.

Among the recipients were Booker Prize winning novellist Douglas Stuart, Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir;  businessperson Sandy Black; economist and director general of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and Mamphela Ramphele, academic and anti-apartheid activist and Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Chris Whitty.

The six were recognised at Commemoration Day - which marks the foundation of the University in 1451. 

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an economist and director-general of the World Trade Organisation, said as an economist it "means a lot" to receive an honorary degree in the home of Adam Smith.

 

'I am an economist by training & this is the home of Adam Smith, so to get an honorary degree from this University means a lot.'

We're delighted to award an honorary degree to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala @NOIweala, Director General @WTO, during this year’s #UofGCommDay. @UofG_Alumni pic.twitter.com/HrkCKPIIL7

— University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) June 14, 2023

Olympic athlete Laura Muir graduated as a vet from the university in 2018. She won silver in the 1500 metres at the Olympics in Tokyo, said becoming a Doctor of the University was "a huge, huge honour".

' I didn't think I'd be coming back here 5 years after graduating to receive another award so I'm very honoured.'

Olympic medallist & @UofG_Alumni @lauramuiruns returned to UofG to receive an honorary degree at #UofGCommDay.

Congrats to all our honorary grads! #TeamUofG pic.twitter.com/tjm52yNanB

— University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) June 14, 2023

Author Douglas Stuart, who won the Booker Prize in 2020 for his  debut novel Shuggie Bain, said he felt "really proud" to be "recognised in my home town”.

'To come back here and be recognised in my home town makes me feel really proud.'

Booker prize winner @Doug_D_Stuart was among those receiving honorary degrees today at #UofGCommDay.

While on campus, he shared some words of wisdom for budding authors. #TeamUofG pic.twitter.com/9rGPEffnGh

— University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) June 14, 2023

Mamphela Ramphele, an academic and anti-apartheid activist, said it was "a privilege" and "treat" to be in Glasgow to receive her honorary degree.

'I feel privileged that I am joining this family of a great institution.'

It was a honour to welcome academic & activist @MamphelaR to #TeamUofG with her fellow honorary graduates at #UofGCommDay @UofG_Alumni pic.twitter.com/qdoaEUaNar

— University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) June 14, 2023

UofG alumni and business leader Sandy Black, who is a law graduate, said "never ever give up in achieving your aims".

'You can always achieve more than you ever expected if you apply your mind to it.'

Delighted to welcome @UofG_Alumni and campaign leadership board chairman Sandy Black back to campus to receive an honorary degree at #UofGCommDay #TeamUofG pic.twitter.com/KQbvgC1DVS

— University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) June 14, 2023

Other honorary degrees will be conferred during the Summer and Winter Graduations at UofG. 

 

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First published: 14 June 2023