The Chair of a local cancer charity, one of Ireland's most prolific poets and a former Chancellor of the Exchequer will receive honorary degrees from the University of Aberdeen this week.
On Thursday, Lord Alistair Darling with receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD). Lord Darling, who is a law graduate of the University, entered national politics as a Member of Parliament in 1987, most recently representing Edinburgh South West until standing down in 2015. From 2007 to 2010, Alistair Darling served as Chancellor of the Exchequer. During the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum Alistair Darling chaired the prevailing ‘Better Together’ campaign. Ennobled in 2015, Lord Darling’s contribution to public life continues as a member of the House of Lords.
Later the same day, Gladys Sangster will receive a Masters of the University. In total, Gladys has been involved in fundraising for cancer research for more than 40 years. Under her leadership, CRANES has developed as a cancer charity with a difference. It supports projects relevant to this region and which are related to the prevention and early diagnosis of cancer. Led by Gladys and run by a local voluntary committee, the charity operates with minimal administration costs so that the bulk of the monies raised goes directly to local cancer research projects. Her achievement is underscored by her dedication and long-term commitment.
At the same ceremony, Micheal O’Siadhail will be awarded a Doctor of Literature. The poet has published seventeen collections of poetry in Ireland, Britain, Europe, North America and Japan, and was previously awarded an Irish American Cultural Institute prize for poetry and the Marten Toonder prize for Literature.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor George Boyne said: “Graduations are a special time on campus as it gives us the opportunity to celebrate all the hard work that has come before.
“I look forward to welcoming our graduating students and their families to Elphinstone Hall to mark the occasion and it is also a huge pleasure to welcome our esteemed – and inspiring - honorary graduands to the Aberdeen family."