Bradfordians who paved the way for future generations have been given honorary degrees by the University of Bradford.
Broadcaster and author Anita Rani presided over her first graduation ceremony in her role as Chancellor of the University of Bradford.
The University also celebrated two Outstanding Contribution Award recipients and welcomed back one honorary graduate who received her award virtually in 2020/21.
This year’s honorary graduates include Professor Ernesto Zedillo, Steve Killelea, Richard Shaw, Syima Aslam, Jabbar Sardar, Dr Mahendra Patel, Professor Shahina Pardhan, Alan Banks, Professor Akaneren Essien, and returning honorary graduate Helen Coelho.
Dedicated philanthropist Nazim Ali has raised around £750,000 for various charities over the last decade.
Growing up in poverty and suffering from TB as a five-year-old, has propelled him into devoting his life to helping others.
Nazim, of Manningham, said: "I am surprised and humbled by this honour from my home city. I live round the corner from the university, I did my undergraduate degree here, the first in my family to go to university. It means an enormous amount to me."
Dr Mahendra Patel OBE, who grew up in Little Horton and went onto become a leading pharmacist and research pioneer in health inequalities, was given an Honorary Doctorate of Health.
In his speech, Dr Patel said: “As I reflect on my humble beginnings from the sixties, playing on this very ground as a little boy amidst the construction of those bricks that now form the foundation of this university, I am astounded by my incredible journey and career in pharmacy to the extent that I pinch myself to believe that this is all for real.”
Bradford City of Culture Bid Director, Richard Shaw, dedicated his honorary degree from the university to the city.
During his thirty-year career, Richard has worked at some of the country’s finest arts and media organisations.
Richard, who was born in Leeds and lives in Saltaire, said: “At that moment, when judges announced this was Bradford’s time, it was clear this was the shared ambition of a huge number of people who had come together in passionate common cause.”
Charles Dacres, director of the Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, was recognised for his dedication to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.
He has ensured the Windrush flag - which was designed in Bradford - was raised in 30 cities, including the Home Office building and Houses of Parliament.
Sharing his advice to students, he said: “There is an old Caribbean saying, ‘One, one, cocoa, full basket.’ We use it in our work in the community. It means that if everyone plays their little part, together it amounts to a full basket.”
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