Inspirational leaders honoured at GCU's graduation ceremonies

Three inspirational leaders in the fields of fashion, media and sport have been awarded honorary degrees on the second day of our summer graduations at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Professor Jane Shepherdson CBE was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration. Jane is one of the most influential figures in British fashion retail, best known for transforming Topshop into a global high-street brand during her time as Brand Director from 1997 to 2007. She later became CEO of Whistles and has worked with ethical fashion pioneer Peopletree and Oxfam. Now Chair of luxury fashion rental platform My Wardrobe HQ and a Director of the London Fashion Fund, Jane is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion. An Honorary Professor at Glasgow Caledonian University, she also serves on the University’s Fashion Advisory Board and supports students through mentoring and industry engagement.

Speaking at today’s ceremony, Jane said: “I’ve lived and breathed fashion and it has given me an exhilarating ride. It's an industry that celebrates creativity.

"We now know the industry is damaging the planet and must change fundamentally. As well as creating compelling collections we must find ways of doing that more responsibly. I don’t believe, however, that to do this we must lose our passion, only that we must consider the planet and stretch ourselves to come up with solutions.

"It is a massive challenge and one you are supremely well positioned to rise to. Some of you will play a part in the future of the industry. You’ll leave it in a much better place. Glasgow Caledonian University is at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in this country. So, huge congratulations on your success and go out and make the world a better place.”

GCU alumnus Callum Baird is Editor-in-Chief of Newsquest Scotland, overseeing titles including The Herald, Glasgow Times and The National. At today’s ceremony he was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. A GCU journalism graduate, Callum began his career on The Herald sports desk before helping launch The National in 2014 and later becoming its Editor. Since becoming Editor-in-Chief in 2022, he has led the expansion of Newsquest Scotland’s digital subscriptions and online news platforms. A strong supporter of emerging journalists, Callum has created valuable industry opportunities for GCU students and graduates and was named the University’s Alumni of the Year in 2023.

Addressing those graduating at today’s ceremony, Callum said: “The future is unpredictable. No one knows what is going to happen. The most important thing is that you do something that you are passionate about, something that you love doing.

“In your career you’ll have setbacks. It’s going to feel like the worst thing in the world but it passes and it gets better. It will have ups and it will have downs but things will get better and you’ll get through it and do amazing things.

“Practical advice - never send an email when you’re angry and focus on the relationships that you have with the people that you work with, the people you work for and, maybe one day, the people that work for you. It’s the people I worked with that will stick with me for the rest of my life. Building good relationships is a key part of succeeding in whatever you do. Thank you to all of you and best of luck."

Ian Beattie MBE was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration. Ian is Chief Operating Officer at Lindsays and Chair of UK Athletics, having previously chaired Scottish Athletics and served as Vice Chair of sportscotland and SAMH. A passionate advocate for the role of sport in improving health and wellbeing, he helped transform grassroots athletics participation across Scotland during his leadership of Scottish Athletics. Ian is a former Race Director of the West Highland Way Race, an accomplished endurance runner, and a supporter of mental health and heart disease awareness initiatives. He received his MBE in 2020 for services to athletics.

Upon receiving his award, Ian said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be awarded this degree here today. I’m sure many of you sit here today with only a vague idea of how your careers will unfold. That, in my view, is not something to worry about. The fact you are about to graduate from this prestigious institution is something of which you should be proud. It demonstrates to the outside world the huge potential you offer. You now have the opportunity to realise that potential.

“There is a popular saying among many top athletes - control the controllables. I like that. Focus on the things you can control: your work ethic; your enthusiasm and positivity; the way you interact with other people and whether you act with integrity in everything you do. It is those attributes that will define you and shape your careers.

“And I encourage you, as you move forward in what is often a challenging world, to look after yourselves. Managing your mental health is important. I would highly recommend you allocate time for whatever exercise you can do.”

Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to make our graduation ceremonies and activities on campus a great success for our students and esteemed guests.