Bradford University graduations 2016

Formal graduation ceremonies take place over three days this week - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - in the Great Hall, followed by the more informal gatherings around the grounds.

Among the graduating students were national and international figures who received honorary degrees.

Robin Wilson, son of two-time Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who had opened the university 50 years ago was its first chancellor. 

He said he was 'gobsmacked' to receive the letter announcing his honorary Doctor of Education degree.

"It is my first honorary degree and I am delighted," said Mr Wilson.

" I was absolutely bowled over when I first learned about it and it means a lot to me and particularly to be honoured for my work in communicating mathematics. Also there has been a family link here so that is another special reason."

Mr Wilson said in his speech to the university that he was also delighted to be walking in his father's footsteps.

"My parents were closely involved with the early days of this university and greatly enjoyed their visits during my father's time as chancellor. In this, his centenary year of his birth, my mother, who celebrated her 100th birthday in January, sends her best wishes to you all."

Mr Wilson is Emeritus Professor of Pure Mathematics at the Open University, Emeritus Professor of Geometry at Gresham College, London, and a former Fellow of Keble College, Oxford University.

He is a former President of the British Society for the History of Mathematics, and was formerly chair of the European Mathematical Society’s Committee on Raising Public Awareness of Mathematics.  

He added: "Bradford University has an enviable reputation for its research which is internationally highly regarded and, in some areas, world-leading. 

"But this is a difficult time, especially with the recent political events that will inevitably lead to a period of uncertainty."

He spoke of the necessity of communication which he has achieved through writing more than 40 books on a variety of subjects with a mathematical theme. 

The seven honorary degrees handed out over the three days included Bradford graduate Kevin Gaskell, managing director of Porsche GB; Paul Donovan, currently CEO of Odeon Cinemas and Francesca Martinez, a stand-up comedian, speaker, actor and author who each received Doctor of the University; Sir Fazle Hasan Abed who founded BRAC, a rehabilitation and development organisation who was made Doctor of Education; Dame Stephanie Shirley who was the first women president of the British Computer Society and was made Doctor of Science; and Celia Anim, president of the Royal College of Nursing who was made Doctor of Health.

Speaking Dame Shirley told attendees: “It is lovely to be here at the University of Bradford and to be honoured with a Doctorate of Science in this, the university’s 50th year.”

Throughout this week, formal ceremonies have been taking place in the Great Hall, followed by the more informal gatherings in the grounds.

Professor Brian Cantor, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford said: “The University of Bradford is one of the world’s great technology universities thanks to the hard work, dedication and ability of all our students and staff over many years.

“It’s always inspiring to see our students graduate and to be reminded of the high quality of our students, as well as the teaching here at Bradford, which has been recognised amongst the best in the UK. 

“We wish all our graduates the very best as they join our global 125,000-strong alumni community and go out to make their mark on the world.”

Ms Martinez praised the people of Bradford after being given an honorary degree from the city’s university.

Ms Martinez, 37, has turned her experiences of living with mild cerebral palsy, or being a bit ‘wobbly’ as she describes it, into award-winning comedy.

She was last in Bradford in March this year to perform as the support act to fellow comedian Frankie Boyle at St George’s Hall.

She said: “I’m touched and chuffed that the university has given me this Doctorate.

“I have been to Bradford quite a lot to do shows. Bradford is always a crowd who love to laugh.

“It was very unexpected really to get this Doctorate. I was also surprised. I tell jokes for a living, it’s not a proper job.”

Ms Martinez also revealed she shares her love of curry with the people of Bradford.

She added: “I love curry as well as people from Bradford, so maybe I can get a Doctorate in curry next.”

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