Hailee Marie Kukura has graduated from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, earning two masters degrees with First Class Honours, U.K. (Sigma Cum Laude, USA) in architecture and history of art on June 29, 2011.

Kukura was valedictorian of her graduating class and is a published author of sustainable and environmental design. She has become a member of the General Council of the University of Edinburgh, whose responsibilities are set out in various Acts of Parliament.

Kukura’s graduation took place at McEwan Hall, College of Humanities and Social Science where her double degrees were conferred by The Senatus Academicus and the Vice Chancellor and Principal Timothy M.M. O’Shea, acting of behalf of the Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal.  Former Edinburgh graduates include Sir Walter Scott, Tomas Carlyle, John Knox, and Robert Lewis Stevenson. Featured speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Irini Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO and first woman to have been elected to head of the organization.

Kukura is launching her career to encompass her academic achievements coupled with her passions for sustainability, design, architecture and art and environmental science. She will practice in the United Kingdom.

Kukura graduated from Orcas Island High School, with top honors, in June 2006.  Her parents Suzanne and Lee Phillips and grandparents Barbara and David Evans, all of whom live on Orcas Island, were able to attend her graduation. Paternal grandparents Beth and Tom Phillips and brother Wyatt Phillips live on San Juan Island.