Three honorary degrees awarded at University's October ceremonies
The Chief Executive of award-winning youth charity Young Scot has received an honorary degree from Edinburgh Napier University.
Louise Macdonald began her career as a print journalist before moving to the voluntary sector, where her groundbreaking work has been recognised with a string of honours.
She was awarded an OBE in 2015, and a year later was named Female Director of the Year in Scotland and Third Sector Director of the Year in the UK by the Institute of Directors.
This year she was appointed as independent Chair of the new First Minister’s Advisory Council on Women and Girls, set up by FM Nicola Sturgeon to raise awareness of gender issues and champion equality.
Prior to moving to Young Scot, where she was appointed Chief Executive in 2008, Louise worked for community projects specialising in volunteering and social enterprise, before moving into national programmes supporting young people.
Earlier this year, through her role at Young Scot, Louise was elected by her international peers to become President of the European Youth Card Association, a membership body of 37 countries who provide youth mobility services to over 6.5m young people across Europe, encouraging active citizenship and inclusion.
She joined hundreds of students at a ceremony in the Usher Hall this week to receive an Honorary Doctorate of the University.
Louise said: “I am thrilled to be awarded this honour by Edinburgh Napier, particularly given their commitment and hard work around widening access and participation for all young people – an issue that is close to my heart.
“I have seen first-hand how having the opportunity to learn in a place like this can transform the lives of young people and I hope I can continue to play my part in breaking down the barriers to allow even more brilliant and diverse young Scots to take that path.”
The other Edinburgh Napier University honorary degree recipients at October's graduation celebrations are:
• Neil Rackham, world-renowned sales expert, received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration.
• Professor Sally Brown, education consultant, received an Honorary Doctorate of Education.
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It is wonderful to see people who have made such a significant impact in the worlds of business and education joining our celebrations.
“Their drive, talent and enthusiasm will inspire our students as they set out to make their own mark on the world.”