Date: 28 June 2019 Page: 8

Degree honour for store boss and footballer A man who ran a well-known Championships and played store in Raploch for more alongside , than 26 years was this week and Didier honoured by the University of Deschamps in the French team Stirling. which lifted the 1998 World Cup. Bridge of Allan-based Pete In 2008, at the end of his Cheema received recognition football career, the former for his outstanding contribution defender, a Unicef ambassador. to the convenience store sector set up the Lilian Thuram in Scotland. Foundation, which educates Mr Cheema, whose full name against racism and promotes is Pargan Singh Cheema, was equality. born in Wolverhapton. He Mr Thuram, who received his based himself in Scotland doctorate for his outstanding from 1988 onwards and quickly contribution to football and established a reputation as commitment to tackling an award-winning retailer, racism through education, said: operating a store in the Raploch “Sport, especially the world’s area for 26 years. number one sport, football, is He was appointed to the a wonderful way of progressing role of chief executive of the equality. It helps us to come Scottish Grocers Federation in closer to each other because, 2015 having previously served whatever the colour of our skin, as president between 2006 our sexuality, or our religion,

and 2008 and is credited with we share the same emotions. I turning it into a influential trade feel deeply honoured to receive body. this award.” Mr Cheema said: “It is Alison Brittain, chief a heartfelt privilege to be executive of Whitbread, was receiving this honorary also honouredyy by the university. The Stirling graduate, doctorate. The university is one of only five has achieved international female chief executives recognition and status for listed on the FTSE 100. academic excellence and this Throughout her career, award shows that people from which also included a all backgrounds can have their highly successful time in contribution recognised and the banking industry, Mrs celebrated at the very highest Brittain has championed level.’’ diversity. Another to receive an She received the honorary degree at this week’s honorary degree for her outstanding contribution graduation ceremonies at the university was Lilian to business and Thuram, France’s most-capped leadership. footballer and a World Cup Others to receive winner. honorary doctorates Mr Thuram – who starred for were Outlander star Sam Barcelona, Juventus, Parma and Heughan and retail expert Professor John Dawson. Monaco during his illustrious club career – played 142 appearances for the national team between 1994 and 2008. He has a winners’ medal from the 2000 European

Copyright material – reproduced under license. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction / forwarding) is permitted except under license

Date: 28 June 2019 Page: 8

Football legend French World Cup winner Lilian Thuram receives the honorary degree from university principal and vice chancellor Gerry McCormac

Honour Work of ex-Raploch store boss Pete Cheema recognised by University

High flyer Businesswoman Alison Brittain

Copyright material – reproduced under license. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction / forwarding) is permitted except under license