Ilan Hamilton awarded for outstanding contribution
Ilan Hamilton, who moved from Germany to pursue higher education in Scotland, has graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh with a degree in Physiotherapy - and with it, the Dean’s Student Citizenship Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the university community.
Beyond his academic success, Ilan fully immersed himself in university life. He served as a Student Representative for his class, supported various health science events hosted at QMU, helped with quality and assurance by completing student reviews for programme validations, led campus tours for prospective students, and facilitated Peer Assisted Learning (PALS) workshops to support his fellow learners.
Reflecting on his time at QMU, Ilan described the experience as life-changing. He said: "My time at QMU has been such a lovely experience. I've grown quite a lot as a person and as an academic, and I feel very proud for having made such beautiful and inspiring connections through the university.
"Working in field where I can help people has always been my dream and I feel like physio and the experience at QMU has given me the tools and guidance to make an impact in a way that is bigger than I imagined. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities I've been given over the four years and have very much enjoyed being involved in other students’ learning journeys, validating programmes, and just generally being at the university - all of which have allowed me to develop and improve skills that are transferable in both the field of physiotherapy, and in helping society."
Ilan celebrated his graduation at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, proudly wearing traditional Colombian beads to mark his Colombian roots as he crossed the stage to receive his degree. He was joined by his parents, with his mum travelling across from Columbia, and his dad from Florida, to mark the special occasion.
The support and encouragement from my lecturers has been incredible. They’ve really helped me become confident as a person and a practitioner and I'm forever thankful for the time and dedication they've given me. The physiotherapy staff and team are some of the most unique and inspiring people I've met and their varied experience and approach to student learning has supported my passion for physiotherapy and the public health sector.
Also present at the ceremony on 8th July was entrepreneur and BBC One’s Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant, who had been officially installed as QMU’s new Chancellor. Ilan and his fellow graduates shared the stage with Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, founder of Genius Foods and a pioneer in gluten-free innovation, who received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration for her contributions to food development and entrepreneurship.
Now inspired to make Edinburgh his long-term home, Ilan is currently seeking physiotherapy roles in the city as he takes the next step in his professional journey.
For further media information please contact Emma Reekie, Media Relations and Content Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: ereekie@qmu.ac.uk (copy to pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk)
