Three degrees make their mark
The Right Honourable Dame Anne McGuire was among three honorary degrees conferred during the ceremonies.
The former Stirling MP became a Doctor of the University, in recognition of her public service to the people of Stirling and to people with disabilities.
As Minister for Disabled People, Dame Anne oversaw the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Disability Equality Duty for the public sector in 2006 – both of which became benchmarks for equality and inclusion.
Addressing graduates from the faculty of arts and humanities, Dame Anne said: “I feel very privileged to be awarded an honorary degree by the University of Stirling and to stand alongside so many other graduates whose hard work and commitment are being recognised at today’s ceremony.”
Multi-award winning BBC journalist Mark Daly received the award of Doctor of the University, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to investigative journalism.
Mark, a graduate of the university,told students : “I’m really thrilled to be coming back to Stirling to receive this award. It’s especially humbling to be recognised by the university where I spent four unforgettable years, and which still holds a special place in my heart. It doesn’t seem like 21 years ago when I was standing where my fellow graduates are today.
“It’s not all plain sailing out there, and there will be days you’ll long to be back at Stirling, sitting by the loch. But if you work hard and are decent to people, you won’t go wrong.”
Also recognised was Patrick McGrath, who received the award of Doctor of the University, in recognition of his outstanding support of academic research through the donation of his literary papers to the University of Stirling archives.