Five-time Olympic medallist Katherine Grainger was handed the accolade for her services to sport and charity, while security agency chief Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller was recognised for her work with biomedical research charity, the Wellcome Trust.
The Glasgow-born star has contributed hugely to improving access to sport, play, and physical exercise for low and middle income families around the world.
Speaking at Thursday’s ceremony, she said: “It’s really lovely to be back in Dundee.
“I spent time growing up in both Glasgow and Aberdeen so it was an obvious stopping point for us as a family.
“I have so many happy memories here, especially of getting on board the beautiful Discovery ship docked at the waterfront.
“The city has changed a lot since then. It really is developing into a stunning place. The new V&A museum is coming together too. I find it all very impressive.”
Dame Grainger added that seeing so many students graduate around her brought back memories of her “much loved” student life.
“I must admit I felt sad when receiving my PHD and degrees,” she said.
“I thought it would be the last time I would attend university so it feels nice to be involved in a ceremony like this again.
“Time at university is just such a lovely period in life and I honestly feel the same as all of them today.
“Since Rio in September I’ve been busy doing charity stuff for various organisations I work for in sport alongside TV appearances for the BBC.
“I’ve just been given a new job as chair at UK Sport too which is huge for me.
“It’s obviously an exciting time to be involved in the behind-the-scenes aspect of sport in the UK and the big challenge will be to continue the success we have seen recently.”
