A former Forth Valley College student has been Highly Commended at the SQA Star Awards for his efforts while at FVC.
Stewart Kirkland (54) from Falkirk was up for a prize in the Lifelong Learning Category at the awards ceremony which took place at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow’s West End on Friday 9 November.
The RAF veteran and Police Inspector studied for an Access to Degree Studies course at FVC’s Falkirk Campus and was nominated for his work as a class representative and encouraging other students to achieve as much as they can.
The annual SQA Star Awards is a celebration of the outstanding achievements in education and training across Scotland, the UK and around the world.
It recognises the Success, Triumph, Achievement and Recognition of its learners and its SQA centres who have made particular efforts to make sure their learners are not only well supported, but also well-positioned to use the qualifications they have gained.
Stewart, who has just started his BSc in Psychology at Napier University and who also now works part-time with sparqs who train class reps at all of Scotland’s colleges and universities, has now set his sights on becoming a college lecturer.
He said: “The winner was very deserving and I don’t feel disappointed at the result at all. In fact I feel very privileged to have been supported for this prestigious nomination in the first place. Forth Valley College has supported me since 1980 when I attended night school at the old Falkirk Technical College as it was then. Had it not been for the college I would not have the qualifications I needed for my previous careers. I certainly would not have been an undergraduate at Napier University today if not for FVC. My ambition to achieve a degree and become a lecturer at FVC in the future, is possible thanks to the inspiration of the lecturers on my course last year. My thanks in particular to Maxine, my Psychology lecturer.”
Curriculum Manager Scott M. Harrison, said: “I was delighted at Stewart receiving a Star Award nomination. I knew when I first met Stewart that he was going to be a positive role model and influence on his course and classmates. He has never demonstrated any behaviour other than positivity, enthusiasm and teamwork. Although being a busy father and volunteer as well as student, Stewart still kept volunteering for more and more events, programmes and charities. I told him that I will not be surprised to see him as the President of the Napier University Student Association as well as a member of staff in our college in the very near future. I would say I wish Stewart the best of luck, but I know that he does not need it. His natural charisma and talent will take him very far in his future studies and career.”