Former Scotland and Team GB basketball captain Kieron Achara has received an honorary degree from the University of Stirling.
Scotland’s youngest ever basketball player
The Stirling-born sportsman was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport in Scotland, particularly basketball, during the university’s summer graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
Achara, who became the youngest person ever to be capped for Scotland at basketball at the age of 16, had originally planned to study at the University of Stirling.
However, his sporting career took him to America after he was offered a place at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh on a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 scholarship.
He later turned professional in 2008 and played for leading teams across Europe.
Achara also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics and was awarded an MBE for services to community sport in 2019.
Since retiring, he has become a prominent advocate for mental health, inclusion and grassroots sport.
“Truly thankful for the opportunity.”
Speaking after collecting his degree, Achara said: “Receiving this recognition from the University of Stirling is a real honour.
“Being born and raised in Stirling makes it especially meaningful, and I do not take it for granted.
“I am truly thankful for the opportunity and very proud to accept it.”
Others received their degrees
Education leader Dr Walter Humes also received an honorary degree during the ceremony in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education.
A former Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling, Dr Humes is known for his research and writing on educational policy, curriculum studies, the history of education and teacher education.
He said: “It was a delightful surprise to be awarded an honorary degree.
“My association with the University of Stirling has enabled me to continue teaching and researching post-retirement.
“It has been a great privilege to work with so many talented staff and students.”
“Night feeds and nappy changes!”
More than 800 students also graduated across two ceremonies on Wednesday.
Among them was new mum Ashley Fraser, 35, from Airdrie, who completed her dissertation just 10 days before giving birth to her son Cooper.
She said: “I had to be ahead of the game with my research, planning and writing.
“With two very close deadlines looming I had no time to waste getting my dissertation submitted before a huge life change.
“Sleepless nights of essay writing have been swapped for night feeds and nappy changes!”
Two sets of twins also graduated during the afternoon ceremony.
Scotland Rugby International
Identical twin brothers Daan and Sam Bank Pintel, 24, from the Netherlands, both graduated with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science.
Fraternal twins Daniella and Nicole Ranieri, 24, from Toronto, Canada, both graduated with the Accelerated Bachelors of Law.
Scotland rugby international Holland Brogan, 21, who has played in the Women’s Six Nations and captained Glasgow Warriors, also graduated with a Psychology of Sport degree.
“An inspiration to our graduates”
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Summer graduation is always a highlight in the University calendar and we are proud to not only recognise the hard work and academic achievements of our students and staff, but to welcome two distinguished honorary graduates into the Stirling family.
“Kieron’s sporting journey, his accomplishments in the field of basketball, and his exceptional advocacy work, are an inspiration to our graduates.
“Walter’s contributions to educational policy and teacher education have been outstanding, and we are proud of his close association to the University.
“On behalf of the University, I send congratulations to them both.”
In total, 1,650 students will graduate from the University of Stirling this week, with four ceremonies held across two days.
Iona Craig has an NCTJ from Glasgow Clyde, PhD in English Research from University of Strathclyde and a Masters Distinction in History from the University of Stirling. Currently working as a Journalist intern at Deadline News.
