A string of high profile Boltonians have been awarded honorary degrees by the University of Bolton.
BBC journalist Clive Myrie, who grew up opposite Bolton Wanderers' old Burnden Park football stadium, has been awarded a doctorate in Social Science for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting, television and society. The Mastermind presenter has recently been praised for his coverage of the war between Russia and Ukraine, reporting live from Kyiv.
Addressing students and their families at a graduation ceremony in Bolton's Albert Halls, Clive said: “I am honoured and humbled to be here with you today. For those of you in recent months who have been wondering what the hell the bloke off Mastermind has been doing hanging around the war zone that is Ukraine, well actually I did have a life before Mastermind!
"What an honour this is. It is exactly 40 years ago this summer that I left Bolton in 1982 to go to university. I will never forget the sense of trepidation and fear but the excitement I had in beginning that phase of my life.
“It is wonderful to be here to see all the graduates, all those people getting their degrees and embarking on the next phase of their life.
"I grew up on Manchester Road, just down the road opposite Burnden Park as it was then. I had big dreams to become a journalist and I’m lucky I have had breaks through the years, and I have managed to fulfil those dreams.
“University was the beginning of trying to get those dreams to come true. I sincerely hope for all the students here, all the graduates, that they can now begin that journey to make their dreams come true.
“Thank you to Bolton, a wonderful, wonderful town and a place very dear to my heart. Thank you to the University of Bolton, to everyone. It’s great to be here."
Sophie Willan, creator and star of hit BBC comedy series Alma's Not Normal has also become an honorary Doctor of Arts for her outstanding contribution to television and comedy. The 34-year-old grew up in Bolton and described the honour as 'fabulous', quoting her popular character Alma Nuthall.
Taking to the stage in front of the graduation hall, she said: “It’s fabulous to be here and I just want to say – congratulations, you did it! Not only did you get yourself a degree, but you did it in the middle of a global pandemic.
“The world needs your voices in whatever creative form it embodies, whether you write, direct, broadcast, whether you paint, whether you edit. Whatever you do, you are the future, you are the hope, and you have my undying support, love and admiration.”
Bolton Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan, club director Michael James, Bolton’s Director of Public Health Dr Helen Lowey, and BBC North West Tonight presenter Annabel Tiffin were also awarded honorary degrees from the university.
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