Trailblazing sport and business leaders honoured at Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian University honoured two exceptional individuals during the second day of our summer graduation ceremonies, held at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, celebrating not only academic achievement but lives lived in service of others.

Rachel Corsie, former Scotland national women’s football team captain and long-time advocate for inclusion in sport, was awarded a Doctor of the University for her outstanding contribution to football and for championing gender equity and access in sport. She joined hundreds of graduands on their special day as she reflected on a career shaped by passion, resilience and pride in her heritage.

Rachel, who began her journey studying Accounting and Finance in Aberdeen, went on to represent her country 155 times over an 18-year career, earning admiration far beyond the football pitch.

She told graduands: “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.”

Acknowledging her deep ties to both education and sport, Rachel reflected on the importance of balance and purpose: “Academia and education have always been an important part of my life, but my sanctuary has always been on the football pitch. Sport was the outlet – a place where fulfilment and joy offered balance to the challenges of growing up.”

While professional sport was not an early ambition – “it wasn’t a visible or viable option” – Rachel’s natural drive and love for the game opened doors around the world, and gave her a platform to lead and inspire others.

Speaking warmly of Glasgow, her second home, Rachel praised the city’s spirit and people:
“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. For those of you brought here by the University, I hope you’ve come to love it like I have.”

Quoting a line that resonated deeply as she approached retirement from professional sport – Failure, we can do alone. Success always takes help – Rachel reminded graduands of the strength found in unity and collaboration.

She closed with a heartfelt nod to the moment that defines her career: “Representing Scotland never faded in meaning across all 155 games. We are a small nation, lifted by our humble nature, to rise in the greatest challenges and punch above our weight. For many here, it’s in your blood, for those who’ve become adopted into our culture, let yourself feel it. Allow it to guide you on your way. Give your all in every opportunity and let that Scottishness be your compass in the moments you need it most.”

Mike Hammond, who was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration, has had a transformative impact on the global insurance industry over a five-decade career. Today, he serves as a Non-Executive Director at Willis Towers Watson, a global leader in risk management, actuarial and insurance services, and continues to advise major private equity firms on strategic investment in the global insurance sector.

Beyond business, Mike has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to philanthropy. In the wake of 9/11, he co-founded the London Insurance Market Charitable Trust, supporting communities affected by crisis. Over the years, he has championed causes from AIDS/HIV support in Africa to children’s mobility initiatives in the UK, including his ongoing work with Whizz Kidz.

He said: “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.”