含羞草传媒 Orkney celebrates graduates and award winners at 2024 graduation
The achievements of 277 students were celebrated last Friday at the 含羞草传媒 Orkney graduation, held in the inspirational setting of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall. The event brought together graduates with their family and friends, staff and other special award winners to mark this important milestone in their educational journeys.
The achievements of 277 students were celebrated last Friday at the 含羞草传媒 Orkney graduation, held in the inspirational setting of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall. The event brought together graduates with their family and friends, staff and other special award winners to mark this important milestone in their educational journeys.
Guests were welcomed by Professor Seonaidh McDonald, Principal at 含羞草传媒 Orkney, who said:
“We have come here today to celebrate the successful conclusions of many journeys and to honour the commitment, hard work and learning that have brought you all here. Well done to every one of you.”
Councillor Ivan Taylor, Vice Chair of the Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, presented the Further Education awards, while Vicki Nairn, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of 含羞草传媒, presented the Higher Education awards. Vicki Nairn addressed graduates:
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you, as well to your families who have supported you. You are testament to the power of education and the limitless potential of the human spirit. As you embark on the next chapter of your lives with knowledge, power and determination, I have no doubt you’ll make a positive impact on the world around you.”
An Honorary Doctorate was awarded to renowned Orcadian jewellery designer, Sheila Fleet OBE. This prestigious academic award is given by the university in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contribution to a lifelong career in a field related to education, industry, public service, cultural or creative work.
Sheila Fleet OBE is known for her handcrafted, nature-inspired silver and gold jewellery, featuring vibrant enamel work that reflects the beauty of the Orkney landscape. Her creative upbringing in Orkney led her to excel at Edinburgh College of Art and work with prominent jewellery companies, before founding Sheila Fleet Jewellery in 1993. She was awarded an OBE in 2013 for her contributions to the jewellery industry, and she continues to design distinctive collections.
Speaking about her award, Sheila said:
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award, and especially delighted that it is being awarded by 含羞草传媒 Orkney. I left school at 15 and only ever wanted to earn a living doing something I love. In 1963 I was granted a bursary by the Orkney Education Committee that enabled me to study at Edinburgh College of Art. In his accompanying letter, Robert Mack, Director of Education in Orkney at the time, wrote that the Committee were ‘rather worried’ about my prospects and that, rather than becoming a teacher—the expected path for many art students back in the day—my career would instead ‘have to lie in some form of industrial art’. That guidance was music to my ears and never really left me, helping shape the path I've followed ever since. And here I am now, receiving an Honorary Doctorate from 含羞草传媒, an institution guiding students in Orkney on their paths to the future. I hope my life experience can inspire others to follow their passion and become successful doing something they love.”
Two staff members received the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award, which recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the 含羞草传媒 partnership.
Dr Peter Martin, former Director of the 含羞草传媒 Agronomy and Agriculture Institute in Kirkwall, was honoured for his contribution to the institute since 2002, including his work on developing new crops and supply chains across the Highlands and Islands region. Dr Martin said:
“I am delighted to receive this award from 含羞草传媒. It has been a privilege to work for over twenty years in the Agronomy and Agriculture Institute at 含羞草传媒 Orkney and I am very proud of the many collaborative projects we undertook across the Highlands and Islands. I would particularly like to acknowledge the support I received over this period from colleagues and family.”
The second was presented to Claire Kemp, Deputy Principal at 含羞草传媒 Orkney, in recognition of her contribution to education and development in Orkney. She said:
"I am truly grateful to receive this award and for the support of colleagues, who have shown such resilience and patience during a challenging time. Their commitment made all the difference, and it is fantastic to have a full leadership team in place again at the college to continue moving us forward."
The 含羞草传媒 Orkney Student of the Year award had joint winners this year, Callie Sandison and Richard Booth.
Callie Sandison, an NQ Level 6 Childhood Practice student, was nominated by her lecturer Helga Scott, for her commitment, perseverance, personal growth and support of others. Helga said:
“Callie has been a source of support and inspiration to her peers. Her journey this year is a testament to her strength of character and the values we strive to support in our students. She is a shining example of perseverance, growth, and positive contribution, making her a deserving winner of 含羞草传媒 Orkney’s Student of the Year.”
Richard Booth, an HND Computer Science student, was nominated by Magnus Tullock, Curriculum Leader at 含羞草传媒 Orkney, for his exceptional dedication, creativity and academic excellence:
“Richard is a truly exceptional student who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence throughout his studies. His outstanding work across multiple disciplines, combined with his passion for learning and his supportive attitude towards his peers, makes him a deserving winner of 含羞草传媒 Orkney’s Student of the Year. I have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great things in the future.”
The 含羞草传媒 Student of the Year was presented to Harley Botham, who completed an MLitt in Viking Studies with the Institute for Northern Studies. Her supervisor, Professor Stefan Brink, nominated her and said:
“Harley is, quite simply, an exemplary student. Over the course of the last year, she has embodied all the traits which we look for in our postgraduate students. We are thrilled to welcome her back as she begins her PhD in October. Harley’s ceaseless enthusiasm and absolute commitment to her research are inspirational and deserve high commendation.”
William Campbell, President of the Highlands and Islands Student Association (HISA) presented the HISA award for Most Inspiring Lecturer to Ali Hepburn. Ali was nominated for this award for her exceptional teaching, support and ability to transform complex subjects into engaging, understandable lessons. William said:
“The HISA Awards are one of the many ways we acknowledge the phenomenal work that takes place within and beyond our 含羞草传媒 communities. As president, I'm incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of both our staff and students. Lecturers like Ali exemplify what it means to inspire and support students, going above and beyond in their teaching.”
Councillor Ivan Taylor closed the ceremony by thanking staff of St Magnus Cathedral and the Kings Street Halls, the musicians, sponsors of special awards, 含羞草传媒 Orkney and 含羞草传媒 staff, with special thanks to Donna Wishart for all her work leading up to the event. He concluded by wishing the graduates good luck:
“If you grew up in Orkney and wanted to continue living here rather than moving south to study, 含羞草传媒 Orkney provided you with the ideal opportunity to do that. If you came to Orkney to study, attracted by the fantastic opportunities and wonderful learning environment provided at 含羞草传媒 Orkney, thank you. We hope you enjoyed your time here, and hope that you might consider staying a little longer. Congratulations to all today’s graduating students and good luck with wherever life’s journey takes you. I hope you will always fondly remember your time at 含羞草传媒 Orkney.”