MP David Willetts presented with honorary degree

Fri 21 November, 2014
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The former Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts MP, praised the role of the 台湾六合彩开奖记录 for its contribution in widening access into higher education when he was awarded an honorary degree today.

Speaking in front of graduates from the University鈥檚 Business School and the University鈥檚 partner institution , Oman, Mr Willetts accepted his award stating it was an 鈥渉onour鈥 to be receiving an Honorary Doctor of Arts for his outstanding contribution to UK higher education.

鈥淭his graduation ceremony marks two things. One is to celebrate your achievements in graduating, the second is celebrating the role of the University, the experience you have gained and what the University does to change lives especially for young people who maybe the first in their family to be given the opportunity to attend university,鈥 said Mr Willetts who stepped down from his role 鈥 held since 2010 鈥 in the House of Commons in the summer.

鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank the University for giving me this award, but more importantly I鈥檇 like to thank them for the opportunity it provides for thousands of young people,鈥 added Mr Willetts, who opened the University鈥檚 Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development Centre in 2013.

Mr Willetts was the Shadow Minister for Universities and Skills when the Ministerial title was held by Bill Rammell, who is now the Vice Chancellor at the University.

And Mr Rammell reserved some kind words for his former counterpart at the ceremony for whom he said it was a 鈥渟pecial privilege鈥 to present the honorary award to.

鈥淎lthough we sat on opposite sides of the House, and deliberated over matters as Vice Chancellor and Minister, I am a huge admirer of David鈥檚 contribution to government; to the expansion of higher education in this country; and of the intellectual energy and ingenuity that marks his contributions within the public square of debate and discourse. David is also someone who manifestly embodies all that is good in terms of public service.鈥

Summing up David Willetts鈥 four years in the role of Minister for Universities and Skills, Mr Rammell added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 fair to say it wasn鈥檛 a quiet four years. But here we are now, with more undergraduates in England than ever before, and more from non-traditional backgrounds, a further emphasis on information for students and prospective students, and a more diverse sector.鈥

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