Renowned Glasgow Academical, philanthropist, businessman and now, Doctor, John Watson OBE (1965), received his honorary doctorate at a ceremony at The University of Glasgow recently.
Speaking to The Herald, John said it was “extra special” to receive the award, given his family printing firm’s Glaswegian origins.
“This honorary degree from the University of Glasgow is all the more special in that it comes from the seat of learning in the very city where John Watson & Company was founded and flourished,” he said. “We are proud of our connections to this great city and of the many Glaswegians who helped make the business I led to such success.”
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow commented: “We are delighted to confer this award on Dr John Watson. Over the years, we have greatly valued his support to the University, including the wise advice he has given as a member of our Campaign Leadership Board.”
“We are proud to welcome him as a Doctor of the University of Glasgow,” he added.
This is not John first honour, having been awarded an OBE for services to the printing industry and charity in Scotland by the Her Late Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of her 80th birthday in 2006. He has also received Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award” in addition to the 2015 Scottish Business Awards’ Entrepreneur of the Year.
Inspired by the example of Scottish-born industrialist Andrew Carnegie, John is credited with the creation of the Watson Foundation which supports Social Bite, the charity founded to tackle homelessness, and numerous other causes, including the Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow and the ongoing restoration of the Clyde Steamer TS Queen Mary.
“The Academical Club is delighted to be able to congratulate John on the receipt of this well-deserved honour,” commented Club President Robin Duff. “He is, of course, a proud ‘Accie’ and contributor to both the School and the wider former pupil community. His achievements are therefore a symbol of great pride to us all.”
To view the ceremony in which John received his award, please click on the link below:
