Four inspirational students have been awarded for their academic achievements at University of the West of Scotland’s Dumfries graduation ceremony this week.

Judy Brydson, Cheyenne McDonald, Sara Kirkby and Madison Janet Lochrie have been recognised for their significant commitment and contribution during their studies at the University.

Judy Brydson has graduated with a BSc in Mental Health Nursing and received the Evelyn Hastings Award, which is given to a student who demonstrates high standards in clinical practice placements and resilience in the face of adversity. The award is named in honour of Miss Evelyn Hastings OBE, a distinguished nurse and recently retired Vice-Convenor and Chair of the Crichton Foundation’s Awards Committee.

Since beginning her nursing studies in 2023, Judy has combined strong academic performance with remarkable determination in the face of significant personal and health challenges. Judy began her journey towards becoming a registered nurse when her children reached school age, following extensive treatment for a serious health condition. Now facing further recurring health challenges, her journey highlights her commitment to nursing and the resilience she has shown in pursuing her ambition. Judy is an inspirational example of someone who has returned to study after having children at a later stage in life.

Successfully completing my studies gives me a huge sense of pride. Whilst it has been very challenging balancing my family commitments, study and managing my health difficulties, I have truly loved it all. The practical placements were fantastic, and I am grateful to the people who took the time out of their busy schedule to teach and mentor me.

Judy Brydson, BSc Mental Health Nursing 

Commenting on winning the Evelyn Hastings Award, Judy said it was “truly unexpected and very humbling”.

“Successfully completing my studies gives me a huge sense of pride. Whilst it has been very challenging balancing my family commitments, study and managing my health difficulties, I have truly loved it all. The practical placements were fantastic, and I am grateful to the people who took the time out of their busy schedule to teach and mentor me.

“Having taken summer to spend time with my children, I am now looking at employment options for the future that will work around maintaining my health. Thank you to my lecturers, mentors, placement colleagues and most importantly, the incredible people I studied with who became my friends.”

Cheyenne McDonald has graduated with a BSc in Adult Nursing and received the Pauline Brown MBE Award. This award is presented annually to an adult nursing student who demonstrates exceptional commitment beyond their academic and clinical duties by actively volunteering in initiatives that promote community wellbeing and outreach. The award is named in honour of Pauline Brown MBE, a distinguished nurse practitioner in general practice, whose retirement marks the culmination of a remarkable career dedicated to compassionate care and community service.

Cheyenne has demonstrated commitment to community engagement and improving patient care through volunteering at local care homes, Dumfries Rugby Club and Dumfries and Galloway college health screening activities and planned support at the Dumfries Agricultural Show. She also contributed to the approval of UWS’s new nursing programme in May 2025, speaking with the QAA and NMC. During her final placement, Cheyenne showed leadership by identifying an alternative to catheter use for a care home resident, reducing the risks of trauma and infection. She has submitted a poster on this work to the NHS Dumfries and Galloway Quality and Safety Awards and will share her experience with future nursing students.

Cheyenne embodies UWS’s values, particularly a shared commitment to the local community the University serves. She has now secured a role as a Community Nurse within NHS Dumfries & Galloway and continues to support the region.

I put a lot of time, effort and dedication into the case study I completed, in order to create a better outcome for patient health, which is what it’s really all about. I feel so proud to have made a positive impact on a patient’s journey. To have this recognised is an incredible privilege.

Cheyenne McDonald, BSc Adult Nursing 

Discussing winning the Pauline Brown MBE Award, Cheyenne said: “To have even been nominated for the award is amazing, but to have been selected as the winner is an honour.

"I put a lot of time, effort and dedication into the case study I completed, in order to create a better outcome for patient health, which is what it’s really all about. I feel so proud to have made a positive impact on a patient’s journey. To have this recognised is an incredible privilege.

I am very lucky to have secured a job as a community nurse within the region, and I am very much looking forward to beginning my career.”

Madison Janet Lochrie has graduated with a BA (Hons) in Social Work and has been awarded the Morag Faulds prize, named after a former Paisley College lecturer who was made an Honorary Professor of Social Work upon her retirement for her influence on the sector, both in practice and in academia.

The award recognises excellence in social work placement practice and associated placement academic work. Madison was praised for her reflective abilities, engagement and person-centred practice, assessment skills and written communication. Her academic work demonstrated excellence in applied theoretical knowledge and professional values, as well as a firm commitment towards continuous professional development.

Having successfully secured employment following the completion of my degree, I feel that my university experience has prepared me well for this next chapter. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying and am incredibly grateful for the guidance and support of everyone who has been part of my journey.

Madison Janet Lochrie, BA (Hons) Social Work

Commenting on winning the prize, Madison said: “It is such an honour to receive this award. My time at university has transformed me both personally and professionally, giving me the knowledge, skills and confidence to begin my career.”

Madison now works with Dumfries and Galloway Council as a youth justice social worker.

She continued: “Having successfully secured employment following the completion of my degree, I feel that my university experience has prepared me well for this next chapter. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying and am incredibly grateful for the guidance and support of everyone who has been part of my journey.”

Sara Kirkby has graduated with a BSc in Adult Nursing and has won the Dumfries Lions Club Bowl Progress Award. This prize is awarded annually to a nominated university student in recognition of a considerable achievement in their studies.

Sara has demonstrated consistent academic achievement, ambition and commitment throughout her degree, taking additional learning opportunities and volunteering at university events. She recently represented UWS and Dumfries and Galloway at an event with the First Minister. Sarah plans to continue her studies at the University after graduation, securing a place on the MSc One Health: Environment, Animal and Human Disease programme, where she will combine her nursing knowledge with her experience in agriculture and animal health to address future public health challenges.

I feel honoured to have been nominated for an award but especially to have been selected to receive it. I had no previous experience in healthcare before I undertook the Scottish Wider Access Programme nursing course and then onto the Adult Nursing degree at UWS.

Sara Kirkby, BSc Adult Nursing

Sarah said: “I feel honoured to have been nominated for an award but especially to have been selected to receive it. I had no previous experience in healthcare before I undertook the Scottish Wider Access Programme nursing course and then onto the Adult Nursing degree at UWS.

“I have been able to combine areas of interest (antimicrobial resistance) from my previous career in agriculture. I have been able to pass on knowledge and to help to improve nursing educational and patient outcomes. I am looking forward to continuing onto the next level of study with UWS in January to continue researching and sharing knowledge of this topic.

“This year has had some significant challenges as my mum had a stroke the day before I started my final year of uni. Thankfully I was able to get her the help she needed very quickly thanks to the ambulance service and amazing stroke team at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

“I am really looking forward to celebrating my achievements with mum and the rest of my family.”

We are all incredibly proud of Judy, Cheyenne, Sara and Madison, whose achievements embody the values of UWS and demonstrate the positive impact our graduates have within the communities we serve as an anchor institution.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: "We are all incredibly proud of Judy, Cheyenne, Sara and Madison, whose achievements embody the values of UWS and demonstrate the positive impact our graduates have within the communities we serve as an anchor institution.

“Collectively, they represent the very best of our student community. Through their determination, resilience and commitment to making a difference, they have overcome personal challenges, advanced professional practice, improved outcomes for others and embraced opportunities to continue learning and develop successful careers.

Their achievements illustrate the transformative power of education and the contribution UWS graduates make across healthcare, social care and wider society.

"Their achievements illustrate the transformative power of education and the contribution UWS graduates make across healthcare, social care and wider society.

“Together, they represent UWS’ purpose: creating opportunity, empowering people from all backgrounds to achieve their potential, and equipping graduates to make a lasting difference to the lives of others and the communities we serve.”