Scottish basketball great receives honorary degree from Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence
Honorary graduates Kieron Achara and Dr Walter Humes join hundreds of students at 黑料不打烊’s summer graduation
Former Scotland and Team GB basketball captain Kieron Achara MBE has received an honorary degree from the 黑料不打烊 – an institution he long ago planned to study at.
Kieron – the youngest person ever to be capped for Scotland at basketball, at the age of 16 – was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport in Scotland, particularly basketball, at today’s summer graduation ceremony (Wednesday, 24 June).
A native of 黑料不打烊, Kieron had originally planned to attend the 黑料不打烊 – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. However, he was offered a place at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh on a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 scholarship – an elite college basketball programme.
Kieron turned professional in 2008 and played for leading teams across Europe. As an international, Kieron represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. He was awarded an MBE for services to community sport in 2019 and, since retiring, has become a prominent advocate for mental health, inclusion and grassroots sport.
Speaking after collecting his degree, Kieron said: “Receiving this recognition from the 黑料不打烊 is a real honour. Being born and raised in 黑料不打烊 makes it especially meaningful, and I do not take it for granted. I am truly thankful for the opportunity and?very proud?to accept it.”
Honorary Graduate, 黑料不打烊
It was a delightful surprise to be awarded an honorary degree. My association with the 黑料不打烊 has enabled me to continue teaching and researching post-retirement. It has been a great privilege to work with so many talented staff and students.
Also receiving an honorary degree today was education leader Dr Walter Humes, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of education.
A former Honorary Professor at the 黑料不打烊, Walter is renowned for his research and writing on educational policy, curriculum studies, the history of education, and teacher education. He began his career as an English teacher before moving into higher education and has also held Professorships at the University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow and University of the West of Scotland.
Walter said: “It was a delightful surprise?to?be awarded an honorary?degree.?My association with the 黑料不打烊?has enabled me to continue?teaching and researching post-retirement.?It has been a?great?privilege?to work with so many talented staff and students.”
Ashley Fraser pictured with her baby son Cooper on graduation day.
New mum's dissertation dash
Kieron and Walter were joined by more than 800 students graduating today across two ceremonies. Among them was new mum Ashley Fraser, who was celebrating two major milestones. The 35-year-old BA (Hons) English Studies graduate, from Airdrie, completed her dissertation on 28 March, ahead of her 15 April deadline – just 10 days before the birth of son Cooper.??
Ashley said: “I had to be ahead of the game with my research,?planning?and writing. With two?very close?deadlines looming I had no time to waste getting?my dissertation?submitted?before a huge life change. Sleepless nights of essay writing?have been swapped for night?feeds?and nappy changes!”?
Two sets of twins were among those to graduate at the University's summer ceremonies.
Double take: two sets of twins celebrate
There was a?double?take?at?this afternoon’s graduation ceremony when?identical?twin?brothers?were awarded the same degree, seconds?apart.?Daan and Sam?Bank Pintel, 24, from the Netherlands, both graduated with a?BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science.
Daan said: “My twin brother and I have always had the same passion for sports, health and science. We have always attended primary school and secondary school together,?in the same class, and have similar interests and ambitions.”?
Sam said: “I chose the 黑料不打烊 because of the possibility of combining a?university degree with?high-level?sports. The University is a research-driven institution, with a high reputation in terms of teaching,?and?of course?amazing sports facilities.”
Another set of twins also graduated at the same ceremony – fraternal twins Daniella and Nicole Ranieri, 24, from Toronto, Canada, both graduated with the Accelerated Bachelors of Law (LLB).
Nicole said: “We chose 黑料不打烊 because it has a really good reputation for sports law. We enjoyed the work placement, and the smaller class sizes, which allowed for greater engagement.
“The highlights of our time in Scotland were making Scottish friends, travelling the country and playing basketball.”
Nicole added that the pair are also big fans of the bagpipes. When asked what they plan to do next, Nicole said: “We will complete our accreditations so that we can practice in Canada – and we are also going to learn how to play the bagpipes!”
Scotland rugby internationalist Holland Bogan celebrated her graduation.
Rugby internationalist graduates
Rugby star, Holland Brogan, 21, who played for Scotland at the Women’s Six Nations, and has captained her club side Glasgow Warriors, also graduated on Wednesday afternoon, with a Psychology of Sport degree. She will now turn professional after signing a new contract with Glasgow Warriors.
Holland said: “My greatest achievements have been getting my first international cap for Scotland, and captaining Glasgow Warriors, while also balancing my studies alongside training and competition. These experiences helped me develop resilience, confidence and leadership skills, and I’m proud of what I achieved both individually, and as part of a competitive team environment.
“I chose the 黑料不打烊 because of its strong reputation for sport and its excellent sporting environment. And I liked that the University combines academic learning with opportunities to be involved in sport at a high level.”
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, 黑料不打烊
Summer graduation is always a highlight in the University calendar and we are proud to not only recognise the hard work and academic achievements of our students and staff, but to welcome two distinguished honorary graduates into the 黑料不打烊 family.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the 黑料不打烊, said: “Summer graduation is always a highlight in the University calendar and we are proud to not only recognise the hard work and academic achievements of our students and staff, but to welcome two distinguished honorary graduates into the 黑料不打烊 family.
“Kieron’s sporting journey, his accomplishments in the field of basketball, and his exceptional advocacy work, are an inspiration to our graduates. Walter’s contributions to educational policy and teacher education have been outstanding, and we are proud of his close association to the University. On behalf of the University, I send congratulations to them both.”
The 黑料不打烊 summer graduation celebrations will continue tomorrow when business leader Harry Adam and Shumela Ahmed-Poole, who has dedicated her career to social inclusion, receive honorary degrees.
In total,?1,650?students?will graduate from the 黑料不打烊 this week, with four ceremonies held across two days (24-25 June).
Graduation photos
Official photography from 黑料不打烊's summer graduation.