University of the West of Scotland (UWS) will award Honorary Doctorates to eight prominent figures during its summer graduation ceremonies at Paisley Abbey this week.
The ceremonies will take place from Tuesday 7th July until Friday 10th July, with honorary degrees being presented alongside students graduating from the university.
Those being recognised are Evelyn McDonald, chief executive of Scottish EDGE; Brian Cannon, owner of graphic design company Microdot and creator of Oasis’ Definitely Maybe album cover; Manira Ahmad, Chief Officer of Public Health Scotland; Paul Andrew, Vice-Principal of Public Affairs and Communication at Harvard University; Fiona Campbell MBE, chief executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers; Laura Montgomery and Carol Anne Stewart, co-founders of Glasgow City Football Club, who will receive the university’s first dual Honorary Doctorate; and broadcaster and television presenter Jean Johansson.
The honorary degree recipients will be presented during the following ceremonies:
- Tuesday 7th July, 2pm – Evelyn McDonald
- Wednesday 8th July, 10.30am – Brian Cannon
- Wednesday 8th July, 2pm – Manira Ahmad
- Thursday 9th July, 10.30am – Paul Andrew
- Thursday 9th July, 2pm – Fiona Campbell MBE
- Friday 10th July, 10.30am – Laura Montgomery and Carol Anne Stewart
- Friday 10th July, 2pm – Jean Johansson
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Graduation represents one of the most significant and rewarding moments in the University calendar. It is a time to celebrate the dedication, resilience and achievements of our students, and to recognise the invaluable support of their families, friends and the wider UWS community who have accompanied them throughout their academic journey.
“This year, alongside our graduating students, we are proud to honour eight exceptional individuals whose leadership, innovation and service have made a lasting impact across a diverse range of fields. Each has forged strong connections with our University’s communities, exemplifying the values, ambition and civic commitment that lie at the heart of UWS.
“We are delighted to welcome them into the UWS family and look forward to celebrating their remarkable contributions at our summer graduation ceremonies next week.”
Breakdown of the honorary degree recipients:
Evelyn McDonald
- Chief Executive Officer of Scottish EDGE, Scotland’s national funding competition for high-growth businesses.
- Led the spin-out of Scottish EDGE from Scottish Enterprise into an independent social enterprise in 2014.
- Previously spent many years with The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and The Prince’s Trust supporting new businesses.
- Has overseen more than £25 million of investment into hundreds of Scottish start-ups through grants, loans and business support.
Brian Cannon
- Founder and creative director of Manchester design studio Microdot.
- Best known for designing the cover of Oasis’ debut album Definitely Maybe, regarded as one of the most iconic album covers in British music.
- Worked extensively with Oasis, The Verve, Suede, Super Furry Animals and many other artists.
- Has become a leading figure in British music design and popular culture.
Manira Ahmad
- Chief Officer at Public Health Scotland.
- Leads work on health improvement, economic growth, sustainability, equality and international development.
- Previously worked in financial services before joining NHS Scotland in 2015.
- Has served on the boards of Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, Scottish Minority Ethnic Women’s Network and other organisations.
Paul Andrew
- Vice-Principal for Public Affairs and Communications at Harvard University.
- Formerly held senior leadership roles at Yale University.
- Oversees Harvard’s global communications, public affairs and government relations.
- Has built an international reputation in higher education leadership and strategic communications.
Fiona Campbell MBE
- Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC).
- First CEO of the organisation after taking up the role in 2015.
- Has represented Scotland’s self-catering tourism sector through major policy changes, including short-term let licensing and the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Awarded an MBE for services to Scottish tourism.
Laura Montgomery
- Paisley-born former footballer and manager.
- Co-founded Glasgow City Football Club in 1998 with Carol Anne Stewart.
- Captained the club during its rise to become Scotland’s most successful women’s football team.
- Continues to oversee the club’s operations and has been a prominent advocate for women’s football.
Carol Anne Stewart
- Co-founder of Glasgow City Football Club alongside Laura Montgomery in 1998.
- Helped establish one of the UK’s most successful women’s football clubs.
- Has played a major role behind the scenes in the club’s growth and long-term success.
- Will receive UWS’s first-ever dual Honorary Doctorate alongside Montgomery.
Jean Johansson
- Glasgow-born television presenter and broadcast journalist.
- Presents Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun and BBC’s Animal Park.
- Regular reporter for The One Show and has presented programmes for STV, CBBC, Disney Channel, ITV and Channel 5.
- Former STV weather presenter and newspaper columnist.