Graduates from University of the West of Scotland (UWS) are among the unsung heroes recognised for making outstanding contributions to their communities in The King’s New Year Honours List for 2025.
Graduate and former Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, Calum Campbell, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for Services to Healthcare in Scotland.
Calum studied at the then University of Paisley, now UWS Paisley Campus, where he gained a Diploma in Professional Studies in Health Visiting and a BA (Hons) degree in Health Studies. He started working with the NHS in 1984, initially as a nurse, and then health visitor before moving into general management, retiring in the summer after 40 years of service.
Commenting on his award, Calum said: “Whilst I am surprised and delighted to receive the nomination, I am acutely conscious that it takes a great team to get things done. I have been privileged to work with some of the very best and so extend my gratitude to my former colleagues too.”
Gold medallist Stephen McGuire has topped off a sparkling year by being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for Services to Boccia and to Young People.
Stephen, who studied at Bell College (now UWS Lanarkshire Campus), won a Paralympic gold medal in individual boccia in Paris in the summer. Since then, he has rubbed shoulders with royalty, meeting King Charles III and receiving the Eric Liddell Award from the Princess Royal before going on to be named Glasgow Disabled Athlete of the Year and Para Male Athlete of the Year award at The Scottish Sports Awards 2024.
Stephen told the Daily Record: “This has been the most sensational year and to get the MBE at the very end of it is amazing recognition.
“This isn’t just for me but for everybody who’s supported me on my journey of 20 years’ hard work. It’s brilliant for boccia to be recognised and it’s a privilege to play a part in that, and it’s massive too for para sport, Scottish disability sport and everyone who’s supported and helped me to the Paralympic games – it’s wonderful.”
Maggie Clark, who studied nursing at UWS Paisley Campus, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for Services to the NHS in Scotland.
An Emergency Laparotomy Nurse Specialist at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Maggie told us: “I am still in shock but very honoured to have received this award. I work with a wonderful team here in Paisley and I’m privileged to have cared for many patients and their families over the years.”
Talking about her time at UWS Maggie added: “I loved my training at the University and recently encouraged my daughter to choose her paramedic science training with UWS.”
Maggie was also featured in the Ardrossan Herald for her award.
Audrey Mutongi-Darko, Founder of The No1 Befriending Agency, has been awarded a BEM for services to Tackling Loneliness and Isolation in Older People in Scotland.
The Information Technology graduate founded The No. 1 Befriending Agency in 2016 to tackle loneliness among older adults in Greater Glasgow. Audrey explained: “I moved to the UK on my own from Zimbabwe in 2002.
“At that time, I recognised what it felt like to be lonely, which got me thinking about people who may not have the same level of mobility as I have, or people who have other major health challenges in life.”
Through one-to-one befriending and group activities, The No. 1 Befriending Agency has supported hundreds of individuals, fostered meaningful community connections, and created a lasting social impact.
Alumna Alison Bunce, founder and CEO of community-driven organisation Compassionate Inverclyde, was awarded a BEM for Services to the Community in Inverclyde.
Alison, who was named RCN Nurse of the Year in 2022, combined her MBA from UWS and an MSc in Palliative Care with her community nursing experiences to inspire and coordinate an extraordinary set of community activities, supporting those most in need.
In an interview with the Greenock Telegraph Alison said: “I was really, really shocked when I found out and completely taken aback.
“It’s really not all about me. It’s about the people of Inverclyde who have helped make this happen.”
Through various initiatives, such as befriending services, community cafes, and compassionate schools, Compassionate Inverclyde provides opportunities for people of all ages to contribute to their community.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities.
“The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”
More than 1,200 recipients received honours in the 2025 list across all sectors, with particular commendation to role models in sport, healthcare, academia and voluntary service.
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