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

At the first of the University’s winter graduations, Anna Victoria McKenna and Charlie David McClure-Towers were recognised for their significant commitment and contribution during their studies at UWS.

Anna graduated with a BSc in Adult Nursing and was awarded the Evelyn Hastings Prize which is managed by The Crichton Foundation.

Anna has demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication throughout her nursing degree, managing her studies while navigating a deeply challenging personal situation at home, when during her training, a close relative became seriously ill and passed away.

Despite this, Anna remained committed to her academic and clinical responsibilities, as well as actively contributing to the University community with extra-curricular activities including carol singing at a local care home to bring festive joy to residents, as well as being an ambassador representing UWS in front of figures such as the Interim Chief Nurse for Scotland.

Commenting on Anna’s achievement, Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Anna’s compassion and strength during her studies reflect the qualities of an outstanding nurse, particularly in the context of end-of-life care. These experiences have undoubtedly shaped her empathy and will enhance her ability to support patients and families in similar circumstances. Anna is a credit to the University, her family, and herself. We are incredibly proud of her and all that she has accomplished.”

Anna is a credit to the University, her family, and herself. We are incredibly proud of her and all that she has accomplished.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor 

Charlie graduated with a BSc in Adult Nursing with Distinction and was awarded the Pauline Brown MBE Award, which is presented each year to a UWS student who demonstrated exceptional commitment beyond their academic and clinical duties. 

Charlie has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment in volunteering and supporting the Dumfries campus. He has actively participated in health and wellbeing initiatives at Dumfries Saints Rugby Club, providing lifestyle advice and conducting health checks for the local community, and has also been a fantastic ambassador for the University.

Discussing Charlie’s award, Professor Miller said: “Charlie is an exceptional student and a reliable and compassionate presence during public engagement and NHS-related activities, where he exemplifies both passion and empathy for the nursing profession. His enthusiasm for working within the community is evident and deeply appreciated by us all.”

Professor Miller added: “Both Anna and Charlie are fantastic role models for their peers and other students. They represent many of the values of UWS, particularly for their compassion and care for others in the local community. I wish them every success, and I know they both have a bright future ahead of them in their nursing careers.”

Both Anna and Charlie are fantastic role models for their peers and other students. They represent many of the values of UWS, particularly for their compassion and care for others in the local community.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Both students were nominated and endorsed for the accolades by Julie Orr, Senior Lecturer at UWS and Dumfries campus lead.