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50th Anniversary Honorary Graduates' Celebration

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The University's 50th anniversary celebrations moved to London in style with a special Honorary Graduates celebration event held at the Institute of Civil Engineers on Thursday 13 October 2016.

Mark Garratt, Director of External Affairs at the University, welcomed more than 50 Honorary Graduates and guests from a range of fields and backgrounds, including The Rt Hon Baroness Ann Taylor, Chair of Council at the University, to the event. They were joined by guest speaker The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Professor Brian Cantor CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University, and a number of Deans, Senior Academics and members of the Senior Management team.

Hilary Benn MP spoke about his late father, The Rt Hon Tony Benn MP, who was one of the first to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University during the Chancellorship of The Rt Hon Harold Wilson. He also spoke about some of the major challenges facing Universities and Higher Education today and the important role that education has to play to enable young people from all backgrounds, from all parts of the world to reach their potential.

Professor Brian Cantor reflected on the significant milestone in the history and development of the University saying, “Our 50th anniversary provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our rich past, and look forward to an exciting future, as we continue to develop as one of the world's great technology universities.”

Baroness Ann Taylor, who graduated from Bradford with a BSc in Politics and History in 1969, thanked her fellow Honorary Graduates for attending the event, whilst encouraging them to remain connected with the University as ambassadors and advocates.

The Honorary Graduates in attendance represented current and former politicians, business leaders, engineers, scientists, health and nursing professionals, academics, journalists, writers, actors and a number of inspirational individuals that have made significant contributions to society. More photos from the event can be viewed on our celebrating 50 years website.

This was one of the University’s key anniversary events taking place in 2016 following on from the Installation of the Chancellor and the Global Achievement Awards held in February, and the Alumni Celebration and Gala Dinner in March.

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