Influential Figures Recognised at Winter Graduations
One of the most influential figures in UK television history and a world-renowned physicist both received honorary degrees at the University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) winter graduation ceremonies.
Paisley-born Dorothy Byrne – the former Editor-at-Large of Channel 4 television – and Professor Sheila Rowan joined almost 2,000 students graduating at Paisley Abbey in November.
Students graduated from the University’s four academic Schools – Business & Creative Industries; Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences; Education & Social Sciences and Health & Life Sciences.
Dorothy Byrne enjoyed a highly successful career in the television industry, and worked as Channel 4’s Head of News and Current Affairs from 2003 until 2020, when she became Editor-at-Large of the channel. She is currently President of Murray Edwards College in Cambridge.
Professor Sheila Rowan is a former Chief Scientific Advisor for the Scottish Government, and was part of a team of scientists involved in the detection of gravitational waves for the first time; widely considered to be one of humanity’s greatest scientific achievements.
The graduation ceremonies marked another milestone, in that they were among the first to be presided over by the University’s new Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Miller, who officially took up the role at the start of November 2022.
New Principal and Vice-Chancellor Joins UWS
Professor Miller said: “Graduation is always the highlight of the University calendar; celebrating the remarkable achievements of our students as they move on to the next chapter of their life.”
📽️VIDEO: Ever wonder what #graduation day is like?
— UWS (@UniWestScotland) November 24, 2022
Julia McMurdie – one of our first Business Management GA students to graduate – filmed this brilliant #videodiary as she graduated last week 🎓
Congratulations to the class of 2022! 🥳#UWSGrad #graduation22 pic.twitter.com/fr79ZsKVag
The Paisley graduations follow recent ceremonies in Dumfries, London and online. Hundreds of photos taken at the graduation ceremonies can be seen on the UWS Facebook page.
