Edinburgh Napier's 50th Anniversary 1964-2014 Volume 1 | Page 37

David Dick, PhD (An investigation into changes in gender equity and equality in Scottish universities from 1850 to 2011), 2013 “My fondest memory during four years of my research must be of my cheery encouraging supervisors: Doctor Janice Macmillan, Lois Farquharson and Vaughan Ellis. When I had doubts they squashed them; when I travelled up a blind alley they redirected me and when I was a bit down (rarely) I left them with laughter – a perfect team. My wife, Muriel and I have adopted them. That makes seven daughters and a son! By the way, she must be the only octogenarian wife to have proof read a PhD thesis. 13 “The difference between 1953, when I first graduated, and today is amazing. Today’s students have it all and great lecturers who really do want you to pass. Pass rates and student opinion didn’t really matter then, it was ‘just get on with it’ and a complete absence of female students and staff. “Another memory – the conferences organised by the Business School were an absolute treat. To listen to the ideas and research of other students, young enough to be my grandchildren, was inspiring. The staff made these events not only an academic exercise for students to present their work but great fun. I intend to attend them for as long as possible. “My experiences at Edinburgh Napier were quite magical.” David’s remarkable achievement received a lot of attention on graduation day, as he is believed to be one of Scotland’s oldest graduates at the age of 84. Sara Young, BA (Hons) Marketing Management, 2014 14 “My life at University began much like anyone else’s; I was unorganised, a little lost, and more than a little overwhelmed! By second year things had settled down a lot, largely due to the huge amount of help and patience from lecturers. From the serious career discussions with personal development tutors, to the hugely entertaining destress chats with the likes of Peter Mudie! “I soon found out that you always get out what you put in, and the more effort and enthusiasm you show, the greater the reward. Of course, this includes non-academic work too! There was a constant flow of paid and voluntary opportunities to take advantage of – each was great fun and also allowed me to constantly re-think my career goals. I’ve since decided that its key not to limit your opportunities by being jobselective, the best way to figure out what you want in life is through varied experience! “Having begun my first year feeling a little anxious about going ‘back to school’, I’m now so sad at the idea of leaving. Though thanks to all the great people I’ve met at Edinburgh Napier over the years, I couldn’t be more confident entering the working world. Well, not quite yet – I’ve now applied for a graduate scheme in New York! Hopefully a good first step toward a career in international marketing.” Did you know… That in 1975 the first students from the original Napier College of Technology graduated with Degrees!