Rachel Corsie honoured by Glasgow Caledonian University
Rachel Corsie, former Scotland national women's football team captain and advocate for inclusion in sport, was awarded a Doctor of the University for her contributions to football and efforts in promoting gender equity and accessibility in sports.
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Reflecting on her career, the Accounting and Finance graduate, who represented her country 155 times over an 18-year career, said: "Sharing this moment with you brings back very happy memories for me.
"I first stood in a hall like this in 2011, when I graduated with an Accounting and Finance degree.
"The 15 years since have brought experiences that were unthinkable back then."
She also praised Glasgow, her second home, for its spirit and people, saying: "For those of you from here, you'll understand the inherent values of a city that abundantly knows the importance of people and strong relationships."
The former footballer ended her speech by encouraging graduates to give their all and to let their Scottish roots guide them.
Also honoured was Mike Hammond, a stalwart of the global insurance industry, who was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration for his transformative impact over a five-decade career.
He is currently a non-executive director at Willis Towers Watson, a global leader in risk management, actuarial, and insurance services.
Mr Hammond told graduates: "I was the first in my family to stay on at school after 16.
"The confidence I gained from university gave me the courage to travel the road less travelled.
'Making a difference and providing opportunities for others to make a difference is very important to me.
'I've learned not to take education for granted. Opportunity through education is the greatest gift you can give someone. It was the most important gift given to me.'
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