Female golf legend and marine biologist awarded doctorates at Stirling University
A legend of the women’s golf game and a leading polar and marine scientist were recognised as Stirling University returned to in-person graduations.
Golfer Catriona Matthew - who was the first woman to be entered on to the university’s sports scholarship programme in 1987 - made her return to pick up an honorary doctorate, alongside Professor Sir Ian Boyd, who is a former chief scientific adviser to the UK Government.
Ms Matthew was picking up her award for her contribution to women’s golf, while Sir Ian was celebrated for his work in environmental science.
The pair picked up their doctorates alongside 719 students at the graduation ceremony on Friday - the first in-person ceremony to take place since November 2019 due to the Covid-1i pandemic.
Following the ceremony, Ms Matthew said:“I am truly humbled to receive such an honour from the University of Stirling.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I envisage returning almost 30 years after graduating with an honours degree in finance to receive an honorary doctorate.
“It was a pleasure to be back on campus today and celebrate alongside today’s graduates.”
Meanwhile, Sir Ian - who currently holds the position of UK Research Integrity Office and a professor at the University of St Andrews - added:“It is a considerable honour to become a graduate of the University of Stirling alongside the many other accomplished students graduating today.”
The bulk of the students graduating in the April group are for those on year-long programmes, with further ceremonies set for between June 21 and 27 for those who graduated in 2020 and 2021 but were unable to attend their ceremony due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, 2022 summer graduates will receive their prizes on June 29 and 30.