Our new University Chancellor, David Eustace, has expressed the hope that his appointment will inspire people to chase their dreams.
Speaking ahead of his inauguration, prison officer turned award-winning photographer Dr David Eustace stressed that a less privileged background should not be a barrier to success.
Dr Eustace, who has photographed stars such as Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Judi Dench and Sophia Loren, takes over as Chancellor from Tim Waterstone.
The Glasgow-born photographer served with the Royal Naval Reserve 10 MCM (Mine Counter Measure) Squadron before spending seven years as a prison officer at Barlinnie jail.
His career and life then changed course when he was encouraged to apply for the BA Photography, Film and Television programme at Edinburgh Napier in the late ‘80s. He graduated with distinction in 1991.
University leaders from across Scotland gathered on Wednesday for the ceremony at the Usher Hall. Dr Eustace was formally installed following a lunch for invited guests at the nearby Sheraton Hotel.
Dignitaries looked on from the stage as Dr Eustace’s laureation address was read out by The Very Revd Dr Graham Forbes, the University’s Chair of Court.
Dr Eustace, who grew up in Riddrie in north-east Glasgow, said: “I hope my appointment inspires others, especially those from less privileged social backgrounds who perhaps feel where they come from may hinder any dreams they have for their future.”
He added: “Edinburgh Napier University played a major role in my life when, many years ago, I returned to full-time education as a mature student. Now it’s my turn to give back.
“There are incredible people involved with this university and I wish to lend my support to them in any way I can. The Principal’s hopes and visions are very much the ones I share.
“This honour is incredibly humbling and exciting but the role brings many responsibilities, the greatest of which are the hopes of those who have given the university their trust and some of the most important and valuable years of their lives.
“I am a fleeting moment in this institution’s history, but for the short time I am privileged to be its titular head I will embrace the challenge in the only way I know how, with respect, complete commitment, hard work and enthusiasm.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “I firmly believe that David as our Chancellor fully embodies our values as a professional, ambitious, innovative and inclusive university."
Dr Eustace, who was also awarded an honorary degree by Edinburgh Napier in 2013, has worked for titles including Vogue, The Sunday Times and Elle during a colourful career which has taken him all over the world. His selected works were exhibited in The Scottish Gallery in February 2015.
Also honoured this week, at separate ceremonies on Thursday, was Jann Brown, who was made an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, and Professor Diana Laurillard, who was made an Honorary Doctor of Education.
Jann was a full-time mum who took a diploma in Accounting and went on to work for Deloitte and Cairn Energy before co-founding Magna Energy. Professor Laurillard is on the Government’s FELTAG and Education Technology Action Group and wrote Rethinking University Teaching, one of the most widely cited books in the field, which has been translated into Chinese.