Lorraine says ‘Well Done!’ to the Class of 2020

Edinburgh Napier honorary graduates and alumni create tribute videos

TV presenter and journalist Lorraine Kelly has sent a special message of congratulations to more than 2000 new Edinburgh Napier University graduates.

The six graduation ceremonies due to be held at the Usher Hall at the start of July were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Lorraine and other proud honorary graduates and alumni of the University have created video messages to pay tribute to the Class of 2020 and highlight their achievements.

Lorraine, who started her career as a local newspaper reporter in East Kilbride before progressing to national television and fronting a series of programmes for ITV, received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University in 2018.

Two years earlier, Lorraine, who herself trained as a journalist at the then Napier College, was at the Usher Hall to see her daughter Rosie Smith graduate from the University with a BA (Hons) in journalism.

In her video, shared on the University’s social media platforms, Lorraine told the 2150 new graduates: “Congratulations to every single one of you.

“I will never forget my daughter’s graduation.  It was such a special day, and I am lucky enough to be an honorary graduate as well so I know what a big deal this is.

“You have worked so, so hard, and I am really proud of you, and I wish you all the very best for the future. Huge congratulations to the Edinburgh Napier University Class of 2020!”

Other well-known faces who will offer congratulations by video this week include chef Tom Kitchin, TV weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, former Disney executive Duncan Wardle and political journalist Brian Taylor.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal at Edinburgh Napier, and University Chancellor David Eustace also appeared in a short film that looked at what it means to be an Edinburgh Napier graduate and a member of the University’s alumni community.

Professor Nolan told the graduating students: “Achieving your degree is fantastic for everybody at any time. To have done so under such particularly difficult and challenging circumstances makes it even more special.

“You will remain in my mind as a very special cohort – the cohort of 2020.”