Highland father and son inspire each other to degree success
A father and son from the Highlands were in a celebratory mood when they both graduated in the same university ceremony.
Crossing the stage at The Open University’s degree ceremony at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Friday were Barry and Sam Homer from Beauly.
Fujitsu cyber-security consultant Barry (62) has gained his Masters of Science in Cyber Security Graduate Apprenticeship and Sam (33) a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics.
Barry’s qualification was Scottish Government-funded and his company supported him with study time. He said: “I have worked in cyber security for over 30 years but had no formal qualification and wanted a formal acknowledgement of my skills. I thought of quitting a few times but my son held off graduating so we could graduate together. That provided the motivation.”
Amazon driver Sam studied for free with the Part-Time Fee Grant and said: “When I decided to start studying, it was with the OU - I didn’t have anyone else in mind. I mostly did the degree for the challenge; having not gone to university immediately after school I always wondered if I could. It was a lot of work but it turns out I could.”
Barry says: “I am very proud of my son and to be there with him. He worked his socks off to get his degree.”
