Claire Rowley was the most southerly graduate to cross the stage at The Open University’s degree ceremonies held in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Friday 25th October 2024.
The 37-year-old lives in Stoneykirk, a village in Dumfries and Galloway located around five miles south of Stranraer.
Council link worker Claire celebrated achieving her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Education Studies (Primary), which had been funded by the Part-Time Fee Grant. A mum-of-three, Claire studied around looking after her children, as well as juggling a part-time job as a primary school learning assistant. Her husband and children “always pushed me to keep going. I couldn’t have done it without them,” says Claire.
She adds: “Studying has given me the opportunity to progress in my chosen career. My job as a link worker is to deliver a range of support and interventions to individuals or groups of young people and adults, some who are vulnerable. For example, helping to promote independence, health and well-being, learning and work-related activities if necessary, helping individuals to meet their own personal growth and outcomes. I really love my job and am excited for the possibilities in the future.”
Celebrating decades of educational innovation
Claire joined other graduates as The Open University (OU) in Scotland also marked a historic milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first-ever degree ceremony in Scotland, which took place in Edinburgh in 1974.
This year’s event saw 660 graduates cross the stage at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, showcasing the university’s continued commitment to accessible and inclusive education. Among them, 170 (25%) have declared a disability, 340 (50%) are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and 380 students (60%) benefitted from part-time fee grants which cover the costs of study.
In 1974, the first ceremony saw 270 graduates gather at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, presided over by the OU’s first Vice-Chancellor, Lord Walter Perry, who hailed from Dundee. Fast forward to 2024, the OU has expanded its reach considerably, now boasting over 200,000 alumni across Scotland.
Landmark event
Director of OU in Scotland, Susan Stewart, reflected on the significance of the event: “It’s a momentous occasion for the OU in Scotland, celebrating 50 years of changing lives through education. Our graduates, many of whom are balancing studies with work, family, and other commitments, demonstrate incredible resilience and determination. We are immensely proud of their achievements and delighted to celebrate alongside them.”
At the degree ceremony, international model and cultural icon Eunice Olumide also received an honorary degree from The Open University for her outstanding contributions to British arts, culture, and social justice.
