Cancer charity pioneer
and education leader awarded
honorary degrees
A
CHARITY CHIEF who has led a cancer support
revolution and a leading authority in Scottish
educational management were awarded honorary
degrees from QMU in July. Laura Lee is Chief Executive of Maggie’s,
the charitable organisation that provides centres offering practical,
emotional and social support for people living with cancer. Under Laura’s
leadership, Maggie’s has transformed the way people with cancer are
supported in the UK. She was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition
of her work in improving the lives of people with cancer by placing patients and
their families at the centre of service delivery.
Keir Bloomer has dedicated his life to educational management and public
service. He was Chief Executive of Clackmannanshire Council and President of
the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland and, following his retirement,
he served as Chair of Court at QMU. He was awarded an honorary degree for
services to Scottish education and for his significant contribution to the strategic
development of QMU.
Professor Brendan McCormack, Head of QMU’s Division of Nursing, presented
Laura’s oration at the graduation ceremony. He said: “Laura has developed a new
approach to providing care - she has helped healthcare professionals to flourish and
to truly respond appropriately to the clinical, mental, practical and social needs of
patients and their families. In that sense, she epitomises the underpinning values of
the nursing programmes provided at QMU, as well as reflecting the aims of our Centre
for Person-centred Practice Research, by ensuring that patients and families are at
the centre of service delivery.”
Professor Petra Wend, Principal of QMU, said: “During his time as Chair of QMU’s
Court, Keir oversaw many important developments within the University underpinning
current and future successes, including the framing of our institutional strategy for
2015-2025 and re-defining our vision as that of a ‘university of ideas and influence’.
Professor Wend concluded: “We are delighted to honour both these highly influential
individuals – Laura Lee for her dedication to person centred care which has enabled
Maggie’s to transform healthcare services for people with cancer, and Keir Bloomer
for his lifelong commitment to education, and for supp orting QMU’s vision to become
recognised as a university of ideas and influence. Both Laura and Keir’s achievements
in their specialist areas reflect the relevance of the University’s work and its aim of
serving communities and improving quality of life.”
Both Laura Lee and Keir Bloomer were presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor
of the University. They were joined by 850 students and their families at an impressive
ceremony in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. ❒
QMYOU / Graduation
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