Honorary Doctorates to be Awarded by University of Glasgow
Actor Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Doctor Who, and Stuart Murdoch, lead singer of Belle and Sebastian, are among the individuals set to receive honorary doctorates from the University of Glasgow later this year.
The honorary degrees will be presented at a ceremony scheduled for June. Additional honorees include BBC journalist Sarah Smith and her sister, Baroness Catherine Smith, the Advocate General for Scotland.
The university stated that these individuals were chosen for having "a profound and positive impact within their professions and wider society."
Honorary degrees will also be conferred during the University's summer and winter graduation ceremonies, with recipients such as musicians Deacon Blue and Eddi Reader.
The initial honorary degrees will be awarded at a special Commemoration Day ceremony on Wednesday, 17 June, which commemorates the 575th anniversary of the University's founding in 1451.
Details of Recipients and Honors
Ncuti Gatwa, who portrayed the Doctor in the long-running science fiction series for two seasons, will be awarded the title Doctor of the University. Sarah Smith, serving as the BBC's North America editor, will receive the same honor.
Baroness Catherine Smith, who studied history at the University of Glasgow and was appointed Advocate General in 2024, will also be made a Doctor of the University. Jacqueline McLaren, Glasgow's Lord Provost, is another recipient of this distinction.
Stuart Murdoch, frontman of the Glasgow indie-pop band Belle & Sebastian since the 1990s, will be conferred the title Doctor of Music.
Other honorees include Professor Guido Tabellini, chair in political economics at Bocconi University, who will receive a Doctor of Letters, and Dr. Stuart Campbell, emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at King's College London, who will be awarded a Doctor of Science.
University Reflections and Statements
Professor Andy Schofield, principal and vice chancellor of the University of Glasgow, commented on the significance of Commemoration Day and the honorary degrees.
"Commemoration Day would allow the university to reflect on our remarkable history."
"Honorary degrees give us the opportunity to recognise individuals whose achievements have had a profound and positive impact within their professions and wider society."
"Their work embodies values that continue to inspire our community."
"I am delighted to welcome our honorary graduates into the University of Glasgow community at such a significant milestone, and to celebrate them alongside our graduating students."
