27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Touching tribute as graduate from Motherwell pays tribute to late grandpa by wearing his gown
Cameron Gunn gained a BSc Psychology at University of Stirling
A student from Motherwell paid tribute to his late granddad by wearing the gown he had graduated in at his own graduation ceremony.
Cameron Gunn was left heartbroken when his beloved grandpa, Ralph, who had been a lifelong advocate for academia, died in 2023.
It was an especially poignant moment for Cameron who studied BSc Psychology at University of Stirling when he celebrated his graduation this week, wearing his grandpa's gown, which his gran Jean Gunn gifted to him on graduating.
Ralph had served as Vice-Principal at Bell College, and had attended the University of Stirling himself to study a postgraduate course in higher education management.
Cameron was determined to make his grandfather proud and knuckled down to embrace every opportunity that came his way as he studied for his degree.
He 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.'
In total, 2,157 students graduated from the University of Stirling this week. Four ceremonies were held across two days on June 25 26, with graduates celebrating their academic achievements alongside family, friends and university staff.
Nicky Reid, who is CEO of the SPFL (Scottish Professional Football League) Trust, and Paul Bush OBE, former Director of Events at VisitScotland – who was instrumental in bringing major spectacles, including the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup to Scotland – both received honorary degrees.
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.'
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