Influential leaders from the worlds of sports and events honoured at Stirling graduation

Nicky Reid – the first woman to work as a CEO at national level in Scottish football – and Paul Bush OBE, who has brought some of the world’s biggest events to Scotland, have received honorary degrees from the University of Stirling. 

Nicky, who is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust, and former VisitScotland Director of Events Paul – who was instrumental in bringing major spectacles, including the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup to the country – were both recognised at the University’s summer graduation ceremonies. 

They celebrated alongside retired marketing professional Kevin Carty, 76, who returned to education after 50 years to rebuild his confidence following a long battle with cancer.

Retiree Kevin Carty celebrated his degree at the University of Stirling summer graduation.

Kevin, who worked for Ford Motor Company and, latterly, the Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “I spent 10 years fighting bowel cancer and made a full recovery, but I’d lost my confidence. My psychiatrist told me to go and do something I’d never done in my life. I’d never done a Masters and, since I live in Stirling, it made sense to come to the University of Stirling Management School.”

Kevin, who graduated with an MSc Marketing Analytics, credits the students and staff with not only boosting his confidence, but changing his attitude to younger people, and giving him valuable communication and technology skills.

“I spent the first few weeks just listening to them, hearing what they had to say, seeing how skilled they are in new technology, and how they communicate. It had been 50 years since I’d done any studying, during my undergraduate at the former North East London Polytechnic.

“This has given me my mojo back. I’m deeply grateful to Stirling staff and students for helping me achieve it.”

Nicky Reid received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Stirling.

After graduating from the University of Stirling with a degree in Film, Media and Sociology in 2007, Nicky took her first venture into Scottish football with Falkirk Football Club and went on to become their Learning Centre Manager. In 2012, she joined the SPFL Trust, becoming General Manager in 2015 and CEO two years later – which saw her become the first female CEO working at a national level in Scottish football. 

The SPFL Trust works in partnership with SPFL and Scottish Women’s Premier League clubs, alongside their associated community trusts.  

In her role, Nicky has been instrumental in harnessing the power of sport to support people to lead healthier, happier and longer lives. 

Speaking after collecting her degree, Nicky said: “I am delighted to be recognised with this Honorary Doctorate from the University of Stirling, where I first graduated in 2007. 

“My time at the University provided me with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in my career. The opportunities I had there were instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. This is a real honour.” 

Paul Bush OBE celebrates his Honorary Doctorate at the University of Stirling.

Paul spent 20 years working as VisitScotland’s Director of Events, playing a key role in putting the country on the map as a destination for some of the biggest celebrations of sport and culture globally. He played a key role in Glasgow’s successful bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014, with Paul having previously served as General Team Manager and Chef de Mission for the Scotland team at previous Games. 

Paul has helped Scotland attract a range of other major events, including the MTV Music Awards on two occasions, the 150th Open Championship, the Ryder Cup, UEFA Euro 2020 and the UCI Cycling World Championships. 

Prior to joining VisitScotland, he served as the Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, working closely with the University of Stirling in developing the state-of-the-art National Swimming Academy. 

Paul said: “I am very proud and humbled to receive this honorary degree from the University of Stirling. It has been a true honour and a privilege to be at the forefront of Scotland’s sport and events industry over the last 27 years. 

“Together, much has been achieved during this time through our collective ambition to put Scotland firmly on the international stage and our commitment to innovation and collaboration. 

“The University of Stirling is particularly special to me, and I have great memories of working on campus in my role as Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming and seeing the University and its athletes strive to become a world leading powerhouse in sport. It is now quite rightly recognised as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.” 

Cameron Gunn, wearing his grandfather Ralph's robes on his graduation day, pictured with his grandmother Jean. Inset: grandfather Ralph. 

Meanwhile, graduation day was especially poignant for one University of Stirling student, who collected his degree in the gown worn by his late grandfather. 

Cameron Gunn was left heartbroken when his beloved grandpa, Ralph, passed away in 2023. Ralph had been a lifelong advocate for academia, serving as Vice-Principal at Bell College, and had attended the University of Stirling himself to study a postgraduate course in higher education management. 

Determined to make his grandfather proud, Cameron knuckled down to embrace every opportunity that came his way as he studied for a BSc Psychology – celebrating his graduation with grandmother Jean. 

Cameron, from Motherwell, said: “To mark my graduation, my grandma gave me a present, my grandpa's gown from when he was working at Bell College as a lecturer and Vice-Principal. 

“He wore it during graduation and academic events and now I’ve had the opportunity to do the same. 

“He couldn’t be here to take part in the celebrations, but I'm happy that a part of him was with me as I marked my graduation. 

“My grandpa was an advocate for academia, further education and supporting young people, he was one of the reasons I chose to pursue university. 

“I'm proud of what I’ve achieved, but I wish I could've shared it with him.” 

Inspiration

In total, 2,157 students graduated from the University of Stirling this week. Four ceremonies have been held across two days (25-26 June), with graduates celebrating their academic achievements alongside family, friends and university staff. 

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Nicky Reid has worked tirelessly on projects that showcase the powerful impact that sport can have across the communities they are so deeply rooted in, providing benefits throughout society. 

“Paul Bush is a true champion of the events industry, and his work has helped to put Scotland on the map as a world class host for some of the globe’s biggest sporting and cultural celebrations. 

“Their influence and achievements will act as an inspiration to the talented and committed students as they graduate this week. Congratulations to all our graduating students.” 

Photo albums are available to view on Flickr:

• Day one Ceremony One and Ceremony Two
• Day two Ceremony One and Ceremony Two