One north-east student set the bar high for his time at university, challenging himself to gain a Masters degree, raise £20,000 for charity and improve his fitness.
And yesterday afternoon, Jamie Marr from Longside was joined with his family as he successfully completed his final challenge.
Mr Marr always felt he had not pushed himself academically and aimed to achieve the highest possible qualification that realistically could be achieved.
The 42-year-old said: “Having never attended college or university on leaving school, I always felt that I had not tested myself academically and always wondered whether I was capable of studying for a degree.
“Back in 2013 I set myself a target to successfully study for a Masters degree, to raise £20,000 for charity and to try and get a little fitter.
“Four years on I successfully completed the MBA programme and led an internal work committee in 2015 to raise in excess of £20,000 for Alzheimer’s, a total likely to increase to £30,000 in 2016.”
Mr Marr also joked that studying for the MBA had been similar to supporting his favourite football team, with many highs and many lows but with success shining through in the end.
“Over the three and a half years, I enjoyed the overall experience, particularly the many students and lecturers that I met, some of which will remain friends for years to come,” he said.
“I would be lying if I did not admit that at times I felt the whole experience over whelming, particularly with many competing work priorities let alone my family commitments, however overall I am glad I have finished the process.
“There are many times when you will miss family functions or personal commitments, however when you sign up to the MBA, it goes without saying that only commitment and dedication will see you through and with that there has to be some form of sacrifice, how else could you full fill the suggested 20 hours per week study time.”
Speaking of his hopes for the future, Mr Marr said: “I hope to try and improve my overall fitness, but more importantly will be spending more time my wife Wendy and daughter Olivia as I try to make up for lost time.
Whilst I have no intention of returning to academic life, I do hope to utilise the learnings and improved networks obtained through RGU to help improve my work performance.”