Higher education champion receives honorary degree
Philanthropist and long-standing champion of higher education, John ‘Iain’ Campbell has been recognised with an honorary degree from Heriot-Watt University.
Mr Campbell was bestowed with the academic title of Doctor of the University for his exceptional services to Heriot-Watt University and widening participation.
Originally from Scotland, Mr Campbell graduated from Heriot-Watt University with a First Class Honours degree in Chemical Engineering in 1972.
It is both an honour and a privilege to bestow this honorary degree upon a most deserving individual on behalf of everyone at Heriot-Watt University.
He subsequently moved to the US where he carved out a successful career as a patent attorney, employed by the global materials science company, W L Gore – the inventors of Gore-tex.
Prior to his retirement, Mr Campbell was General Counsel for W L Gore and was highly regarded as a specialist in his field. His passion and commitment to Heriot-Watt endured over the years and Mr Campbell remained an active supporter of the University.
More recently, Mr Campbell stepped down from the US board, American Friends of Heriot-Watt University, where he served as a Director for almost a decade.
Due to ill health, Mr Campbell was unable to travel from his home in Arizona to Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh campus to collect his honorary degree as part of the Winter Graduation ceremonies starting next month.
However, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University and Andrew Mackinnon, Senior Development Executive, visited Mr Campbell at his home, complete with graduation gowns, to bestow the academic title.
Professor Williams said: “It is both an honour and a privilege to bestow this honorary degree upon a most deserving individual on behalf of everyone at Heriot-Watt University.
“Through Iain’s unwavering philanthropy, he has not only championed higher education but also opened the doors of opportunity for students who might otherwise never have had the chance to pursue their academic dreams. His dedication to enriching the lives of others and his tireless support are a testament to his character and his belief in the transformative power of education.
“It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we recognise his profound impact, which will be felt for generations to come."
After accepting his new academic title, Mr Campbell said: “I am honoured and humbled to receive the degree. My education at Heriot -Watt provided an underpinning for a successful legal and business career and I look forward to continued interaction with the University and its work to create opportunities for others to be successful.”
Earlier this year, the University renamed its Maths Gym, The Campbell Maths Gym in recognition of Mr Campbell’s steadfast and lasting support.
Launched in 2020, The Campbell Maths Gym is open to all degree course students across Heriot-Watt’s global campuses. It is staffed by mathematics teaching experts, aided by a team of graduate teaching assistants, to strengthen mathematical and statistical skills and boost mathematical confidence.