Honoured for labour of love

Jul 1 2009 by Iain Howie, Stirling Observer Wednesday

STIRLING University has honoured two people who have been at the forefront of the Labour party in recent years.

Former Stirling MSP Sylvia Jackson and former Home Secretary John Reid were given honorary titles from the university last week.

Dr Jackson, who represented Stirling at the Scottish Parliament from 1999 until 2007, was made a master of arts for her “outstanding contribution to the community”.

Dr Jackson has strong links with the university, with her late husband Professor Mike Jackson the first senior deputy principal there.

Dr John Reid, the former Home Secretary and now chairman of Celtic FC was also honoured.

Dr Reid, a graduate of the university in the 1970s and a former students’ union president was recognised for his contribution to public affairs.

Dr Reid told graduating students: “I have been around the world and met potentates, princes, presidents and two popes, but the best and brightest people I have met have been here at the University of Stirling. You have a vital community with critical thought, mental rigour, and an environment second to none. Just walk around the place, why would you want to go to any other university in the world?”.

Also honoured were Peter Lederer, chief of VisitScotland, ex-PGA executive director Kenneth Schofield and Professor Patrick Smith who has supported the university’s institute of aquaculture.

One thousand two hundred students graduated during ceremonies on Wednesday and Thursday.

Among the graduates was the Chief Executive of Culture and Sport Glasgow, Bridget McConnell, wife of former First Minister Jack McConnell, who received the EdD from the Stirling Institute of Education.

Professor Julie Allan, who directs the EdD programme and was one of Bridget’s supervisors, said: “Bridget has produced an important work of research which will influence the cultural policy community in years to come. It is a tremendous achievement and an excellent example of what can be achieved through the Professional Doctorate.”

Bridget said: “It's been a real pleasure to return to Stirling to complete the latest phase of my academic career. The pressure of completing a doctorate alongside a full-time job and family commitments has been made all the easier by the unswerving commitment and support offered by both my tutors and fellow students. I want to thank everyone who has helped me in this mammoth endeavour.”