Chair of Bolton Hospice awarded honorary doctorate by University of Bolton

The Chair of Bolton Hospice spoke of her delight at being awarded an honorary degree by the University of Bolton.

Judith Bromley was made a Doctor of Laws for her outstanding contribution to law and the community on Thursday.

Judith, who celebrates her 37th year as a practising solicitor in 2024, said: “It is a real honour for me to share your special day with you today and to receive this honorary doctorate.

“As someone who was born in Bolton - as you can tell with my Bolton accent - and has made the town my home, it is a great privilege to be recognised by the University.”

When she joined Russell and Russell Solicitors, Judith became the firm's first female solicitor to achieve a full equity partnership.

She pioneered a new area of law dedicated to supporting older individuals, focusing on issues of capacity and end-of-life legal matters. Judith is also a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Judith has been Chair of the Bolton Hospice for more than 10 years and has taken part in many action-packed fund-raising events, including climbing Kilimanjaro, Everest base camp, Machu Picchu and trekking the Sahara desert.

She praised the University, saying: “I have watched the institution develop beyond all recognition over the past 20 years, supporting its students, its charities, its businesses and the community as a whole.

“I have been privileged to see the enormous benefit that the University has made to Bolton in the last 20 years. It has changed the lives of so many people of all ages and from all backgrounds through the power of education. It is a real jewel in Bolton’s crown.

“The University of Bolton helps to change lives for the better and so to receive this honorary degree today as you celebrate your fantastic success, is an absolute joy.”

During the day, students from the University’s Greater Manchester Business School and the School of Law celebrated their achievements.

Pro Chancellor Rasha Said conferred degrees and told the congregation: “We are delighted to be a chapter in your story and we can’t wait to see what happens next. We will follow your progress closely and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”

Other honorary degree recipients included:

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Doctor of Business Administration. She was the first woman and the first African to assume the role of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Earlier, on behalf of the WTO, Dr Okonjo-Iweala had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Bolton to work in partnership. Dr Okonjo-Iweala has held pivotal positions, including Senior Advisor at Lazard and Chair of the Board of Gavi. She was Nigeria’s first female and longest-serving Finance Minister, as well as the country’s first female Foreign Minister. She said: “It’s a real pleasure to sign this Memorandum of Understanding today.

“We are really keen at the WTO to see how artificial intelligence and the digital economy can create opportunities in trade and this is why as the World Trade Organisation we think it will be opportune to sign an agreement with the University of Bolton to create a special programme in AI, so that together we can train our staff what opportunities in reducing costs, supply chain costs for instances, creating opportunities to make trade less expensive and more inclusive.”

the first woman and the first African to assume the role, was made a Doctor of Business Administration for her outstanding contribution to global economics and diplomacy.”

Kenan Poleo – Doctor of Letters Kenan is His Majesty’s Consul General in Istanbul and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As Head of Mission in Istanbul, he oversees one of the largest British diplomatic interventions in Europe’s largest city. Kenan also previously served as Regional Director for the UK Science and Innovation Network and Head of Global at Innovate UK.

Raj Nambiar – Doctor of Education Raj brings over 25 years of international academic experience to his role as Director of the University of Bolton Academic Centre in Ras Al Khaimah. He is committed to innovation in higher education, playing a crucial role in establishing transnational partnerships and developing greenfield campuses. Scores of students from diverse backgrounds have received a top-tier educational experience under his leadership.

Guy Kioni – Doctor of Business Administration Guy is a prominent geostrategy advisor and digital transformation expert with an international and diverse career. Coming to the UK as a conflict-displaced refugee in 2002, Guy’s experience instilled deep resilience and a commitment to driving meaningful change. After earning a first class BSc in Business Information Systems, Guy created 12 Ounces, a digital transformation consultancy firm that has saved the NHS millions of pounds. He then founded Missang Ltd UK, a consultancy firm that specialises in geostrategic advisory services and digital transformation.