Graduation 05: Seven Honorary Degrees Conferred
RGU conferred seven honorary degrees at its graduation ceremonies in July.
Professor Malcolm Garrett was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Design. Professor Garrett is one of Britain's best-known graphic artists, a pioneer of interactive design and the first interactive designer to be bestowed the honour of Royal Designer for Industry. He is widely renowned for creating the iconic punk imagery of the 70s. He is visiting professor at the University of the Arts, London and has also served as visiting professor in Interactive Communication at the Royal College of Art. Professor Garrett was chairman of judges for the annual Design Week Awards (1999-2000) and has served as a member of the BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Committee.
Professor Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Education for his contribution to higher education in Scotland.
Professor Rice studied at Aberdeen University before moving to Edinburgh University where he undertook his PhD. He returned to Aberdeen as a lecturer in 1966 before moving to America where he held posts at Yale University and Hamilton College in New York before becoming Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at New York University in 1985. He was appointed to his current post in 1996 where he has proved to be an inspiring leader of a thriving academic community with a growing international reputation.
Professor Stephen Salter of the University of Edinburgh was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Technology. Professor Salter has been one of the leading researchers in wave power since the 1970s when he invented Salter's Ducks, a means of converting the power of the waves into electricity. His research continues through the University's internationally renowned Wave Power Group.
Mr David Reid, Deputy Chairman and Non–Executive Chairman of Tesco Ltd, was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration.
Mr Reid qualified as a Chartered Accountant with a small Aberdeen company before starting his professional career in Paris in 1970 with Peat Marwick Mitchell. He worked for electrical giants Phillips Industries and Bat Industries before joining Tesco in 1985. Mr Reid has been credited with being at the heart of the transformation that has seen Tesco rise to its pre-eminent position in the UK food retail industry and No.3 in the global ranking of food retailers.
Dr James Buckee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Talisman Inc, was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration. Dr Buckee has been with Talisman and its predecessor, BP Canada Inc for 28 years and was appointed to his current position in 1993. In the UK, Talisman was recently commended in a Save the Children report for its transparency in disclosing taxes, royalties and material payments to host governments.
Lord Stewart Sutherland, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Education. Lord Sutherland graduated from the University of Aberdeen with First Class Honours in Mental Philosophy in 1963 before attending Corpus Christi College, Cambridge where he held the Manners Honorary Scholarship, graduating with First Class Honours in the Philosophy of Religion.
In 1977 he was appointed Professor of History and Philosophy of Religion at King's College, London, where he also served as Vice-Principal from 1981, before being appointed Principal in 1985. In 1990 he moved from the College to become Vice-Chancellor of the University of London. From May 1992 he was Her Majesty's Chief Inspector for Schools in England. He has been the Principal of Edinburgh University since 1994.
Dr Beverly Malone, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Education. Dr Malone came to Britain in 2001 as the high-profile leader of Britain's nurses. Prior to her RCN appointment she was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health in the US Clinton Administration. Her career has included policy, education, administration and clinical practice. However, her foundation is her clinical career. She has worked as a surgical staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, director of nursing and assistant administrator of nursing.
