Scottish basketball great receives honorary degree from Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence 

Also receiving an honorary degree today was education leader Dr Walter Humes, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of education.

A former Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling, Walter is renowned for his research and writing on educational policy, curriculum studies, the history of education, and teacher education. He began his career as an English teacher before moving into higher education and has also held Professorships at the University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow and University of the West of Scotland.

Walter said: “It was a delightful surprise to be awarded an honorary degree. My association with the University of Stirling has enabled me to continue teaching and researching post-retirement. It has been a great privilege to work with so many talented staff and students.”

Ashley Fraser pictured with her baby son Cooper on graduation day.

New mum's dissertation dash

Kieron and Walter were joined by more than 800 students graduating today across two ceremonies. Among them was new mum Ashley Fraser, who was celebrating two major milestones. The 35-year-old BA (Hons) English Studies graduate, from Airdrie, completed her dissertation on 28 March, ahead of her 15 April deadline – just 10 days before the birth of son Cooper.  

Ashley said: “I had to be ahead of the game with my research, planning and writing. With two very close deadlines looming I had no time to waste getting my dissertation submitted before a huge life change. Sleepless nights of essay writing have been swapped for night feeds and nappy changes!” 

Two sets of twins were among those to graduate at the University's summer ceremonies.

Double take: two sets of twins celebrate

There was a double take at this afternoon’s graduation ceremony when identical twin brothers were awarded the same degree, seconds apart. Daan and Sam Bank Pintel, 24, from the Netherlands, both graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science.

Daan said: “My twin brother and I have always had the same passion for sports, health and science. We have always attended primary school and secondary school together, in the same class, and have similar interests and ambitions.” 

Sam said: “I chose the University of Stirling because of the possibility of combining a university degree with high-level sports. The University is a research-driven institution, with a high reputation in terms of teaching, and of course amazing sports facilities.”

Another set of twins also graduated at the same ceremony – fraternal twins Daniella and Nicole Ranieri, 24, from Toronto, Canada, both graduated with the Accelerated Bachelors of Law (LLB). 

Nicole said: “We chose Stirling because it has a really good reputation for sports law. We enjoyed the work placement, and the smaller class sizes, which allowed for greater engagement.

“The highlights of our time in Scotland were making Scottish friends, travelling the country and playing basketball.”

Nicole added that the pair are also big fans of the bagpipes. When asked what they plan to do next, Nicole said: “We will complete our accreditations so that we can practice in Canada – and we are also going to learn how to play the bagpipes!”

Scotland rugby internationalist Holland Bogan celebrated her graduation.

Rugby internationalist graduates

Rugby star, Holland Brogan, 21, who played for Scotland at the Women’s Six Nations, and has captained her club side Glasgow Warriors, also graduated on Wednesday afternoon, with a Psychology of Sport degree. She will now turn professional after signing a new contract with Glasgow Warriors.

Holland said: “My greatest achievements have been getting my first international cap for Scotland, and captaining Glasgow Warriors, while also balancing my studies alongside training and competition. These experiences helped me develop resilience, confidence and leadership skills, and I’m proud of what I achieved both individually, and as part of a competitive team environment.

“I chose the University of Stirling because of its strong reputation for sport and its excellent sporting environment. And I liked that the University combines academic learning with opportunities to be involved in sport at a high level.”

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Summer graduation is always a highlight in the University calendar and we are proud to not only recognise the hard work and academic achievements of our students and staff, but to welcome two distinguished honorary graduates into the Stirling family. 

“Kieron’s sporting journey, his accomplishments in the field of basketball, and his exceptional advocacy work, are an inspiration to our graduates. Walter’s contributions to educational policy and teacher education have been outstanding, and we are proud of his close association to the University. On behalf of the University, I send congratulations to them both.”

The Stirling summer graduation celebrations will continue tomorrow when business leader Harry Adam and Shumela Ahmed-Poole, who has dedicated her career to social inclusion, receive honorary degrees. 

In total, 1,650 students will graduate from the University of Stirling this week, with four ceremonies held across two days (24-25 June).