UK (University of Dundee) University to honour Eilish McColgan, Witches of Scotland campaigners and Malawi Vision Champion

The University of Dundee will confer honorary degrees on four exceptional and inspiring figures at its Winter Graduation ceremonies next week.

The University of Dundee will confer honorary degrees on four exceptional and inspiring figures at its Winter Graduation ceremonies next week.

Commonwealth Games champion Eilish McColgan, Witches of Scotland campaigners Claire Mitchell KC and Zoe Venditozzi and Professor Sosten Chiotha will all be awarded the honorary Doctor of Laws degrees in recognition of their achievements.

The graduation ceremonies take place on Thursday 17 November and Friday 18 November.

Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, “I am delighted that we will be able to honour Eilish, Claire, Zoe and Sosten at our graduations. They have all made a great impact in their respective endeavours, which is truly inspiring for everyone in our University community and far beyond.

“Professor Chiotha has been of Africa’s strongest voices on sustainability and poverty alleviation in lower income countries.

“Claire and Zoe have led a campaign which has resonated around the world and which has already resulted in an apology from the First Minister for the wrongs of a dark period in Scotland’s past.

“And I know I was not alone in all but shouting myself hoarse in encouragement at Eilish’s athletic achievements over the course of this summer, noting also the huge impact she is having off the track with her efforts to lower the barriers for young women to get into athletics.”

The Graduation ceremonies take place in the Caird Hall in Dundee, with over 1000 graduates set to cross the stage to receive their degrees and other awards.

The honorary graduates will receive their degrees at the following ceremonies:

  • Thursday 17 November, morning ceremony – Claire Mitchell KC and Zoe Venditozzi
  • Thursday 17 November, afternoon ceremony – Eilish McColgan
  • Friday 18 November, morning ceremony – Professor Sosten Chiotha