It hasn’t been an easy ride for one RGU student, after moving back from the other side of the world to discover his brother was ill.
But despite the odds, an Inverness student yesterday saw years of hard work pay off.
Andy Savage graduated with an MSc in project management from RGU despite dealing with a number of personal hurdles.
Upon returning from a lengthy secondment in Melbourne, Australia, the 43-year-old decided that university was the best way to better himself, as well as improve his opportunities with his employer.
Full time study was not an option for Mr Savage as he had family to support and so enrolled in a distance learning course with RGU.
He said: “Being faced with an uncertain future, continuing with my studies was an absolute must, in order to improve my future job prospects. At the start of study year two, a fantastic opportunity was presented to me, the chance to be part of something new with the potential to prevent suffering and save lives.”
Along with a few of his ex-colleagues, they formed a new company, Inside Biometrics based in Dingwall.
However, around the same time, Mr Savage received the shattering news that his brother Phil had been diagnosed with cancer.
He said: “Year two of study was consumed in the intense activity of starting up a new business, testing product ideas, travelling to Suffolk to see my brother and parents and, when I should have been asleep, studying.
“I wavered about postponing my studies, given the demands on my time. It was tough, but I knew if I dropped the ball halfway through then I may not pick it up again.”
Sadly, the run up to Christmas that year, Mr Savages got the news that his brother’s condition had deteriorated.
He said: “I was in a real mess and, to be honest, study was slipping far from my mind and I could only pay it lip service at this point. Our CEO at Inside Biometrics asked me where I needed to be. ‘With my family’ was the answer, and I was grateful for his compassion, as he afforded me the time to be with my brother for the last few weeks of his life.”
Now looking back at his time at RGU, despite losing his brother during his time of study, he encouraged others who may be going through something similar, not to give up, but to speak with your tutors and take the time you need.
He said: “I am delighted to be there today graduating, and to anyone who may go through a difficult time, I urge you not to give up. RGU were very accommodating of my situation and I am
very proud to be graduating today.”