Graduation and Awards Ceremony 2025
285 graduates and award winners were celebrated at the UHI Perth Graduation and Awards Ceremony 2025, held at Perth Concert Hall on Thursday 2 October. Degrees, diplomas, certificates, and awards were presented in recognition of their achievements.
Catherine Etri
Catherine Etri, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Perth, congratulated the graduates, saying:
“I’m delighted to welcome you and your guests to one of the most significant days in the UHI Perth calendar. Today is a special occasion where we celebrate your achievements and wish you every success in the future, wherever it may lead.
“This day marks the conclusion of an important chapter in your life and the beginning of an exciting new journey. I hope your time with us has been rewarding and that you’ll look back on it with fond memories. I’m sure you’ll join me in thanking the staff who have worked tirelessly to support you throughout your time here. The friendships you’ve formed are invaluable, and many will last a lifetime. We are incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished. Congratulations, and best wishes for the future. I hope today is truly memorable for you.”
Our graduates and award winners had an amazing day!
Our Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Vicki Nairn, shared a message
“On behalf of everyone at UHI, I want to congratulate you and say how proud we are of what you have achieved. It is a privilege to share this day with you, your family, and everyone who supported you along the way.
“Today we celebrate your success, and your achievement stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through hard work, encouragement and ambition.”
Vicki Nairn
Our Guest Speaker - Paul McFadden, Chief Executive of McFadden Homes - delivered an inspiring address
Known for his best-selling books and international speaking engagements, Paul shared his journey from modest beginnings to building a multi-million-pound property portfolio. His message of resilience, resourcefulness, and ambition resonated strongly with the graduates.
From a standing start with no funds, no experience, and no track record, Paul built a multi-million-pound property portfolio, bought and sold millions of pounds worth of property, and has packaged millions of pounds worth of property investments, as well as being responsible for helping countless others, including many prominent and well-known people in the property industry, to become full-time property investors.
Through Paul’s best-selling book “Your Property Jumpstart”, and through his many free resources online at paulmcfaddenwealth.com, Paul has helped countless numbers of people get started in the world of property investing or accelerate the growth of their existing business.
Paul’s companies have won multiple international awards, including Property and Business Coach of the Year, Customer Service Excellence of the Year, Wealth Management Specialists of the Year, Excellence in Real Estate Scotland, and UK Property Investment Specialists of the Year.
Paul McFadden
Kayleigh Hunter was named UHI Perth’s Student of the Year for her exceptional academic performance and personal resilience
Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Childhood Practice, Kayleigh began her studies with a Level 6 qualification and overcame significant challenges - including personal adversity and caregiving responsibilities - while maintaining academic excellence.
Kayleigh’s journey included supporting her father through a terminal illness, rebuilding her life after an abusive relationship, and raising £650 for Stand Up to Cancer - all while completing her dissertation. Her story is a testament to perseverance and compassion, and she has become a valued advocate for her programme and peers across the UHI partnership.
Curtis Hirst, BAH Theatre Industry Practice student, was awarded the UHI Sporting Blue – Honorary Blue for Archery
The Highlands and Islands Students Association said: “Curtis has made an outstanding contribution to the sport, both on and off the field. He is a long-time archer who has dedicated himself to the sport. He regularly serves as a results manager at Scottish Archery events and is the Event Director for the Orkney Island Games. Most recently, Curtis achieved the highest level of officiating in the UK, becoming an Archery GB National Judge. And, this summer, he’ll be travelling to Canada to officiate at the World Archery Youth Championships – a fantastic achievement and a great honour. In recognition of his dedication, leadership and service to the sport of Archery, UHI is proud to present Curtis with the University of the Highlands and Islands Sporting Blue, Honorary Blue for Archery.”
The ceremony concluded with alumnus Alexandra Cameron who offered a Student Vote of Thanks
Alexandra graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics degree and was also awarded the UHI Perth Student Research of the Year Award Winner.
The Student Research of the Year judging panel commented:
“The student has ambitiously addressed a highly contested issue and written a high-quality thesis drawing attention to aspects of media bias that are of high relevance in today's society. The student's writing is well grounded in theory which has aptly informed the design of the research. The results are clear and well presented.”
We streamed the full ceremony live on YouTube
We captured the whole day, to remember for years to come!
And finally…we wished you good luck for the future!
“You are now part of a vibrant and growing UHI alumni community. Please stay in touch and share your journey with us. We look forward to seeing the many ways you will contribute to our regions, and beyond.
“Congratulations once again. We wish you every success and happiness as you take your next steps.” – Catherine Etri, UHI Perth Interim Principal and Chief Executive.
