Back to his roots
Top sports psychologist returns to university.. and there’s an honorary doctorate for golf legend Bernard Gallacher too
Sports psychologist Steve Peters – a former graduate of Stirling University – now has an honorary doctorate from his alma mater.
Middlesborough-born Professor Peters has worked with many top sportsmen and women including cyclists Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton, snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan and both the Liverpool and England football teams.
Having grown up on a Teesside council estate, he studied mathematics at Stirling University before going into teaching and then tackling a medical degree and working in hospitals and institutions across Britain. He went on to create the ‘Chimp Paradox’ mind management model.
Professor Peters (64) and golfing legend Bernard Gallacher received their honorary doctorates last Wednesday during Stirling University’s graduation ceremony. More than 800 graduates celebrated their achievements on the first day of the 50th anniversary summer graduation ceremonies.
Professor Peters, who received the honorary doctorate for his outstanding contribution to psychology, health sciences and sport, told graduates: “I first graduated from Stirling a long time ago and it’s fantastic to have the privilege to come back and share this day.
“My life is based around helping individuals get the best out of their lives. The most important factor is you. Live by your values, work with the reality of life and finally, keep perspective.
“Life is an egg and spoon race – you are going to drop the ball sometimes, but stay passionate.”
Bathgate-born Bernard (68) had a successful career as a professional golfer before three times captaining the European Ryder Cup team. He was at the helm when the team famously won the trophy in 1995 at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York.
Bernard, who received the doctorate for his outstanding contribution to sport, said: “If there is a secret to a successful career and life, I strongly believe it is about being passionate in every aspect of a chosen path and believing in one’s self.”
Graduates of Stirling management school and the faculties of natural sciences and health sciences and sport received their degrees alongside the university’s newest honorary graduates.
A degree ceremony on Thursday will celebrate the achievements of more than 750 graduates from the faculties of arts and humanities and social sciences.
Honorary degrees will also be bestowed on humanitarian and internationally-acclaimed poet Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain and Stirling Emeritus Professor Angela Smith, who established the Stirling University Retired Staff Association.