Fifteen long-serving members of University staff were presented with special awards at an event on 21 March - to celebrate and honour their commitment and contribution to the organisation.
Collectively, the dedicated members of staff have given more than 420 years of service to the University. Twelve individuals received awards for 25 years’ service in a diverse range of roles, including cleaning, technical support, lecturing and maintenance.
Three employees – John Gavin, a Teaching Fellow and Senior Student Support Officer in the School of Nursing Midwifery and Health; Professor Randolph Richards, Professor of Clinical Pathology in the Institute of Aquaculture; and William Struthers, Technical Manager in Aquaculture – each received an award for contributing a remarkable 40 years to the institution.
John Gavin – who joined the University officially in September 1996 when Colleges of Nursing amalgamated with Universities – has held various posts, including Clinical Teacher, Nurse Teacher, Lecturer and Senior Lecturer. He says: “My role has become much more demanding; students nowadays require significantly greater amounts of academic, emotional and psychological support compared to years ago and more time today is spent sitting at a PC or completing paperwork.”
Looking back on his career, he feels fortunate to have worked at Stirling. He says: “Our School has a national and international reputation which is second to none. Both the School and University are truly wonderful places to work.
“The atmosphere is one of dynamism and innovation generated by outstanding colleagues. I love my job; the most enjoyable and fulfilling part is interacting with and supporting students.”
Professor Randolph Richards arrived at Stirling in early 1973 as a Research Fellow and part-time PhD student. His years of service have involved many changes. “We began as the Unit of Aquatic Pathobiology and were based in temporary 'mobile' accommodation in the gardens near the Principal's house,” he says, “which is quite different to our current permanent home in the Pathfoot building.”
He adds: “The best thing about my job is being able to work with an excellent group of colleagues who pull together brilliantly for the common good rather than personal gain. My career highlight was being awarded a CBE which was unexpected and brought great personal satisfaction.”
The event, held in Stirling Management Centre, was hosted by Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor and Jocelyn Prudence, University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer.
Jocelyn Prudence thanked the members of staff for their commitment to the University. She said: “The University of Stirling wouldn’t be the successful organisation it is without the dedicated efforts of its staff.
“These awards recognise the long standing contribution of employees who have committed 25 to 40 years of their lives to the University, in roles covering a range of professions and responsibilities.
“As we celebrate their remarkable achievement, it is worth pausing to contemplate the thousands of students they have in some way tutored, inspired, assisted or served over the years - either at the lecture theatre, or behind the scenes in administration, technical support, maintenance and cleaning.
“On behalf of the University community, I would like to thank them sincerely for their years of loyal commitment and hard work."
40 years’ service:
- Mr John Gavin, Teaching Fellow and Senior Student Support Officer - School of Nursing Midwifery and Health
- Professor Randolph Richards, Professor of Clinical Pathology – Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences
- Mr William Struthers, Technical Manager – Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences
25 years’ service:
- Miss Gillian Mould, Senior Lecturer – Management Education Centre, Stirling Management School
- Miss Fiona MacDonald, Cleaner – Estates and Campus Services
- Ms Lynne Logie, Section Leader Graphics & Print – Information Services
- Mr Charles Harrower, Technician – Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences
- Professor James Turnbull, Professor of Aquatic Population Health and Welfare – Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences
- Mrs Linda Sludden, General Assistant – Estates and Campus Services
- Mrs Margaret Angell, Resource Manager – Information Services
- Mr Graham Cochrane, Computing Officer – Division of Computing Science and Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences
- Mr Alexander McLuckie, Chargehand Maintenance Assistant – Estates and Campus Services
- Mr Ian Coutts, Storekeeper/Clerk – Estates and Campus Services
- Mr Ronald Balfour, Technician – Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences
- Professor Douglas Robertson, Chair in Housing Studies – School of Applied Social Science