Former student becomes the master at UHI Inverness as architectural technology lecturer retires
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A retiring lecturer at UHI Inverness has passed the reins on to a student he once taught.
Long-serving architectural technology lecturer Terry Curtis has bowed out after 20 years but not before welcoming his replacement, former student Stefan Mason.
Mr Curtis, from Inverness, attended a computer-aided design (CAD) class at the former Inverness College in Longman Road in 2001 to pass the time after retirement from a world-leading design company.
His skills and attitude in helping others led to him being asked to be a supply teacher and a year later he started lecturing full time.
He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time, both at the Longman Campus and at the Inverness Campus. I have worked with a great group of staff, both old and new, and I am delighted now to be in the position of watching our past students progressing in their chosen professions within the construction industry.”
Programme leader for architectural technology at UHI Inverness, Ross Cairns, said Mr Curtis was a big influence in the creation of the Highlands’ first construction degree programme, the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology course, in 2009.
Mr Mason studied that course at the college before going on to work for a range of firms including Persimmon Homes.
Mr Cairns said: “Stefan quickly became like Terry, a whiz at CAD, and secured employment immediately upon graduation and worked for many top architectural practices.
“Taught by Terry and sharing his love of football and Celtic, he also shares all the qualities Terry has and will take up the reins from him as our lead on our CAD tuition.”
He added: “Everyone that comes across Terry will say the same thing – instantly likable with a quiet, friendly connection with everyone he meets.
“Both staff and students have benefited from his presence.
“Simply put, Terry’s influence in the sector will have touched nearly every area of architectural practice in the north.
“It has been a highlight of my own career to call Terry a friend and the best work colleague I could have wished for in my 14-plus years at UHI Inverness and 25-plus in my professional life.
“It was a pleasure to have shared with Terry the experience of our growth, always with a bit of fun and laughter along the way.
“He passes on the baton in true Terry style to a former student of his.”
Students honoured at graduation ceremony
Mr Curtis’s farewell was marked with a staff outing to the Ross County v Celtic match at Dingwall.
