Head janitor to graduate

Sunday 18 June 2000

One of the most familiar faces at the University of St Andrews, who has assisted with graduations for nearly 15 years, will bask in his own glory this week when he attends his very own graduation ceremony.

Head Janitor and Bedellus James Douglas will graduate with a Master of Arts degree on Thursday 22 June 2000.

James, who has held the post for 10 years, spent his early childhood in West Pakistan. On arrival back in Scotland, he attended St Columba’s Primary School in Largs, Ayrshire and St Joseph’s College in Dumfries. He then spent 23 years in the Merchant Navy, starting as Apprentice Navigating Officer serving worldwide on a variety of vessels and progressing to Captain on survey and supply vessels.

Despite the hard work, James said that studying while holding down a full-time job was a real challenge – “My dear old mother had long harboured a dream that I would drift automatically into academia. When I finally did, the studying part was easy and became addictive. In fact, it was difficult to pass through the dining room where books were arranged on the table without delving into one!” Away from work, James enjoys foreign travel and pipe bands.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media on behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information please contact Claire Grainger on 01334 462530, 07730 415 015 or email [email protected] Ref: jimdouglas/standrews/chg/19june2000


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