STV's Laura Boyd awarded honorary degree from Glasgow Caledonian University

STV’s Laura Boyd has been awarded an honorary degree from Glasgow Caledonian University.

The award-winning journalist received a Doctor of Letters for services to media, charity and the university during the graduation ceremony at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

Laura, STV’s entertainment reporter and What’s on Scotland co-presenter, is an alumna of the university who has had a 20-year career in the media.

In between interviewing global celebrities, the mum-of-one has dedicated time to raising awareness of cancer and surrogacy issues after her own experience with chronic myeloid leukaemia.

She told graduands: “It’s an absolute honour to be here, accepting an honorary doctorate from the university that helped shape not only my career, but the person I am today. It doesn’t feel that long ago I was sitting where you are now, wondering what the future would hold. Never did I imagine that, all these years later, I’d be standing here receiving a doctorate.

“I studied Communication and Mass Media, and I’ll tell you, I heard the same warning over and over: ‘It’s so hard to get a job in TV; it’s an industry so many want to break into, so few make it.’ I knew that. But my time at Glasgow Caledonian gave me something crucial: the belief that it was possible. It gave me the confidence to think that the world could be my oyster. And my goal? STV.

Laura Boyd awarded honorary degree from GCU Glasgow Caledonian University

“I now get to do what I love. I chat with people like Lewis Capaldi, Margot Robbie, and Paul Mescal — even interviewing my teenage crush, Robbie Williams. It never feels normal, but it’s a joy I never take for granted.

“University life played a huge role in that, and I still apply the lessons I learned here to my job every day.

“Each of you will face your own highs and lows, and trust me, I’ve had mine. In 2009, I was diagnosed with leukaemia. At the time, I thought my life was over. But here I am, 15 years later, alive and well, with a beautiful family, a cheeky little girl, and still doing what I love. That’s thanks to people like those at Glasgow’s Beatson Hospital. Their expertise and compassion carried me through the darkest times. It wasn’t just their medical care — it was their kindness and humanity that made all the difference. They showed me that the greatest gift you can give someone is not just your knowledge, but your heart.

“So, as you step into the world, know this: you will face challenges. But I promise you, those tough times won’t last forever. And in those moments, remember the impact you can have on someone’s life. You may not even realise it at first, but your actions, your care, will matter.”

Laura was honoured alongside Satwat Rehman, chief executive of One Parent Families Scotland and co-chair of The Just Transition Commission.

Satwat was honoured for her dedication to equality and social justice. With more than three decades of work in equalities, education, and economic development, she has championed the rights of single-parent families in Scotland. Her collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University’s Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit has been instrumental in shaping impactful research and policy initiatives.