Find your true purpose, Major Burgess urges graduates

“Don’t be bound – follow your heart.”

Those were the inspirational words of Major Patrick Burgess MBE today as he got Glasgow Caledonian University’s summer graduations under way by receiving an honorary Doctor of Science.

Major Burgess was recognised for his active promotion of, and commitment to, improving positive mental health and wellbeing for military personnel and civilians, through the embedding of mindfulness programmes in military training that are also accessible to the general public.

He added: “I left school with one O-level – the most unacademic person you could think of. I had a period of mischief and then I found the army, which gave me a career. It was here I discovered the benefit of mindfulness and how it can have a positive impact not just on the armed forces but on every walk of life.

“So, don’t be contained by your degree, profession or what it is you think you should be doing – follow your heart instead. You will be astonished what doors this opens up for you. You will find your purpose.”

Major Burgess joined hundreds of students graduating from the Glasgow School for Business and Society at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, as did the University’s Chancellor Dr Annie Lennox OBE.

The Chancellor told graduates: “The world needs all of you graduates more than ever before. You are the future here and now, your potential can be unlimited.

"Please continue to be bold and fearless, to bring the best qualities forward to influence the world with the common good.”

The University will award a further eight honorary degrees over four ceremonies during the next two days.