Graduation Stories - Winter 2022

Donald John MacDonald, former Editor and Head of News Programmes for STV North, has been presented a Posthumous Honorary Award from Robert Gordon University (RGU) during the University's graduation ceremony on Wednesday 14 December.

David Cochrane MBE, a leader and mentor in the hospitality and tourism industry, has been awarded an Honorary Degree from Robert Gordon University (RGU) during the University's graduation ceremony this week.

Young engineer Kieren Fraser has managed to successfully complete his Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) from his Shetland home.

Completing his Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) has allowed Lee Forsyth to score one of his career goals.

Greg Hanson successfully completed his Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) while working for RGU’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice.

Chris Sellar had always thought university was not an option for him but when offered the chance to take part in a Graduate Apprenticeship in IT management he jumped at the chance.

A 21-year-old engineer from Moray who never had intentions to go to university is already moving forward with his career.

Scott Smith had been working in the energy sector for seven years but knew he would benefit from higher education.

A dyslexia diagnosis during her studies did not stop a determined NHS radiographer from Aberdeenshire successfully moving into a new career.

A quartet from Orkney who both worked and studied together are celebrating graduation this Winter having grasped at an opportunity sprung from a new partnership between Robert Gordon University and the Northern Isles.

Part of RGU’s latest graduate apprenticeship cohort, Kirsty successfully juggled working, studying and motherhood to obtain a 1st Class Honours degree.

An Inverurie student is following a well-trodden RGU path having obtained both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Garthdee before now finding himself in a working capacity at the university.

Already an RGU undergraduate, Craig was seeking a further degree which would complement his existing job in the oil and sector, allowing him to keep working while simultaneously professionally developing.

Not many students can boast achieving an MSc in Analytical Science, with merit, while specialising in drug analysis and toxicology. Uniquely though, no other student at all can boast both achieving that while also winning on University Challenge as the programme’s first ever Nigerian participant. This is Samuel’s story.

Inspired by an interest in STEM but seemingly lacking the grades for higher education, this Fraserburgh student applied for university with more hope than expectation.

Becoming a mum to her first baby, studying and adjusting to the challenges of COVID-19, didn’t stop Ashley gaining 1st Class Honours whilst working full time in industry and becoming a STEM ambassador.

Mature student, Alex, returned to study after 40 years working in construction. He’s now achieved a lifetime goal, studying at university and has a degree to complement his industry experience.

An Outer Hebrides student so dedicated to her profession that she took countless 220-mile round-trips to university and placements graduates with a BSc in Midwifery.

With a passion for painting, experimental film and photography, Scottish multidisciplinary artist, Tracey, balanced motherhood and study during COVID-19, drawing from this experience to influence her Masters in Fine Art.

A 21-year-old NHS midwife who had a baby named after him celebrates becoming the only male midwife in his cohort.

A determined nurse who persevered through family loss and worked at a nursing home during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic is graduating with a BSc in Adult Nursing.

A determined midwife and single mum who moved to Scotland to become a school nurse after seeing first-hand the impact of the pandemic is graduating with an MSc in Advancing Practice.