University of Bradford honours eight in award ceremonies

Founder of Specsavers Dame Mary Perkins and pioneer of ‘Green racing’ Lord Paul Drayson are among those being honoured at graduation ceremonies at the University of Bradford later this month.

Figures from the worlds of health, engineering, technology, and management will be presented with honorary degrees to recognise their valuable accomplishments and contributions to the local, national and international communities.

Receiving honorary degrees from the University are:

• Baroness Thornton of Manningham will be made a Doctor of the University for her support of social enterprises and women in public office.
• Mohammad Taj will be made a Doctor of the University for his contribution to social justice
• Barbara Woodward-Carlton will receive a Doctorate of Health for her achievements in research and education to improve quality of life and quality of care for people with Dementia
• Dr Keith Ridge will receive a Doctorate of Health for his contribution to the health service
• Lord Paul Drayson will receive a Doctorate of Engineering for his achievements as a technology entrepreneur
• Dame Wendy Hall will receive a Doctorate of Technology for her contribution to science and technology
• Dame Mary Perkins will be made a Doctor of the University for her achievements as an entrepreneur and business leader.

Also being recognised is Javed Bashir who will receive an Honorary Fellowship for his contribution to racial harmony and charitable work in the district and region.

Professor Cantor said: “The University of Bradford’s honorary graduates are all outstanding individuals. They are true inspirations, not only for their work, but for their contributions to society as a whole. I am honoured to welcome them to the University of Bradford and hope their accomplishments inspire our graduates to strive for greatness too.”

Honorary graduates will receive their awards during degree ceremonies taking place in the University’s Great Hall on the 14, 15 and 16 of July. They will receive their awards from the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor.

For more information on graduations at the University of Bradford visit http://www.bradford.ac.uk/graduation/