Our marvellous hon-grads 2024
Twice a year, the University of Bradford confers honorary degrees to people who have made a difference through their actions.
This summer, as more than 1,700 students graduate, we also celebrate nine outstanding people who have gone above and beyond to drive forward projects close to their heart with passion and determination.
They are (in order of appearance at our ceremonies):
Karl Bates: the civil servant and former chair of the university's audit committee has quietly given his time and counsel, working with various university committees in a bid to improve access to higher education. He was awarded Doctor of the University.
Adeeba Malik CBE DL: Adeeba is the current High Sheriff of West Yorkshire (the first ethnic minority female) and a visiting professor at York St John University and a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire. She was made Doctor of the University.
Nirmal Singh MBE: For someone who started out in the UK with just £3 in his pocket, Nirmal is the epitome of the rags the riches story, now running a successful property development company. He was made Doctor of the University.
Luke Ambler: co-founder of Andy's Man Club, the former Leeds Rhinos player was given an Outstanding Contribution Award for his work in setting up and expanding a social club for men aimed at preventing suicides, which now has 190 support groups across the UK.
Jo Quinton-Tulloch: with her sights firmly set on Bradford City of Culture 2025, director of the National Science and Media Museum Jo is heading up an 18-month transformation of the jewel in the crown of the city's cultural quarter. She was made Doctor of the University.
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock: The Sky at Night presenter was awarded Doctor of Sciences for her contribution to encouraging people to become interested in science (and particularly space). She told students 'there is no limit', during her acceptance speech.
Dr Louise Newson: Louise Newson is a physician, menopause specialist and member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce. She is an award-winning doctor, educator, and author, committed to increasing awareness and knowledge of perimenopause and menopause. She was made Doctor of Health.
Saorsa-Amatheia Tweedale: She has built a career helping people through trade unionism and her diversity and equality work. She attended the University of Bradford from 1993-95, where she completed a Master’s in Politics of Visual Representation. She was awarded Doctor of the University.
Vee Kativhu: she describes herself as an 'education activist' and campaigns to help underprivileged groups enter higher education - this after being told at school she would never go to university. Now she has founded her own charity and is friends with the likes of Roger Federer, Prince Harry and Michelle Obama.