Students honoured at Graduation and Celebration of Achievement

Over 300 graduates and award winners, together with their friends, family and guests enjoyed a warm congratulation on their achievements at the UHI Perth Graduation and Celebration of Achievement 2024.

Held at Perth Concert Hall on Thursday 3 October, they were presented with their degrees, diplomas, certificates and awards. 

Dr Margaret Cook, UHI Perth Principal, said: “Our Graduation and Celebration of Achievement is one of the most important days on the UHI Perth calendar. This special occasion celebrates student’s achievements and allow us to wish them well for the future, whatever it may hold. Today marks the end of a significant chapter in their lives and prepares them for the exciting journey ahead.”

In her welcome, she addressed the attendees: “I hope you have enjoyed your experience with us and that your time here will be fondly remembered. I’m sure you’ll join me in expressing gratitude to the staff who have worked tirelessly to make your time here as fulfilling as possible. The friendships you’ve formed during your time here are invaluable, and many of them will last a lifetime.

“We are incredibly proud of you and your accomplishments. Congratulations and best of luck for the future. I hope today is truly memorable for you.”

Gregor George was awarded UHI Perth Alumnus of the Year. Gregor graduated from his BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design course during the height of the pandemic and was therefore unable to have a graduating showcase which is critical to creative practitioners. However, he continued to pursue his dream, successfully completing the Perth City Remembering Together Memorial Project, a nationwide collective project that funded co-creation projects with local communities and provided an opportunity for people to reflect upon the impact of the Covid pandemic. Gregor created a trail of 3D sculptures that are a combination of work created with young people across Perth City and provides a meaningful memorial that represents a collective memory.

Utilising his signature graffiti style, including a commission in The Wellness Garden on the UHI Perth campus, he has earned a reputation locally for working collaboratively with other practitioners and co-creating with local communities in producing artworks that provide a sense of place and belonging for the residents.

The Vice Chancellor’s Award recipient was Catherine Etri, former Vice Principal, Academic at UHI Perth. She was commended for making a significant contribution to the development of UHI and UHI Perth for over three decades, with a particular focus on excellent learning and teaching and continuous improvement of the student experience.

Catherine said: “I'm very honoured and humbled to have been nominated for this award from the University.  It's a reflection of not just my work but also my wonderful colleagues who supported me on this journey.  Their hard work and innovation has been the key to many of our collective successes over the years.  Their courage to embrace challenges and their commitment to providing an excellent experience provides our learners with the confidence and skills leading to future success and attainment. The success of the institution is a testament to the power of collaboration, passion and perseverance. 

“I'm very proud to have contributed a little to the positive impact we have on our community.  I'd like to thank the UHI Principal and Vice Chancellor, Vicki Nairn for this award and wish you all continued success.  My final message to our staff is to keep innovating and making a difference but most of all, keep inspiring your students to challenge themselves to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams!”

The Graduation and Celebration of Achievement of UHI Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates was followed by SQA Certificates and Diplomas and Awards for Individual Achievement.  The closing address was given by Mr Graham Watson, Chair, Board of Management, UHI Perth. 

At the end, alumnus Ms Erica Lo Presti offered a Student Vote of Thanks. Erica was awarded The Institute of Engineering and Technology Award Winner, University of the Highlands and Islands ‘Student of the Year Award for UHI Perth’.