A student of the Open University (OU) marked his graduation by getting down on one knee to propose to his partner of eight years.
Steven Bell was among hundreds of students taking part in the OU’s 50th anniversary gradation ceremony in Glasgow on Saturday.
But a scroll wasn’t the only thing he received – he also got an ‘I do’ from his boyfriend Clark Edgar after proposing when the event came to a close.
Mr Bell, from Glasgow, completed a BSc (Honours) in Geography and Environmental Science with the OU after four years of study.
A former member of the Armed Forces 3 SCOTS, he now works for ScottishPower. He said: “Graduating on my birthday was already special, but proposing to Clark here makes it unforgettable.”
“The OU made it possible to achieve my goals while maintaining a good work-life balance,” he said. “If you’re thinking about it, don’t hesitate—there’s never a wrong time to invest in yourself and your future.”
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Clark, 31, from Edinburgh, was moved by the heartfelt moment, saying, “I’m incredibly proud of Steven’s hard work and dedication—this day couldn’t be more perfect.”
Steven was among 660 graduates who crossed the stage yesterday at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, marking 50 years since The Open University held its first Scottish degree ceremony in 1974.
The OU remains committed to its founding pillars of inclusion and flexibility, with 170 (25%) of this year’s graduates declaring a disability, 340 (50%) being the first in their families to pursue higher education, and 380 (60%) benefitting from part-time fee grants that covered their study costs.
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