Proud University of Bolton graduates celebrate as week of degree ceremonies gets under way at town hall

Students from the University of Bolton celebrated on the first day of a full week of graduation ceremonies.

The Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Earl of St Andrews, praised students’ success at the three ceremonies on Monday (15 July) held at Bolton’s Albert Halls, in the magnificent town hall.

The Earl conferred degrees on students from the University’s Research and Doctoral College, the School of Engineering, the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) and the School of Education.

He said: “We are so proud of your achievements, which are a testament to all your hard work and dedication. I know your loved ones will also be hugely proud.

“A degree from a UK university has global significance and the University of Bolton is ranked among the top 30 British universities according to the Guardian, so your achievements should not be underestimated.

“This is a special year. We are in our 200th year as an institution. Our roots are proudly local, but we have come a long way since our early days as one of Britain’s first Mechanics’ Institutes. Today we have an international presence with global partners across the world.”

Phillip Britton, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, was made a Doctor of Education for his outstanding contribution to education.

Phillip has recently been announced as the 2025-26 Chair of the HMC, a professional association of heads of the world’s leading independent schools. He started as a physics teacher in 1991 at Leeds Grammar School and since then has won numerous awards, recognising his exceptional contribution to education, including an MBE for services to physics in the 2010 New Year's Honours list.

He said: “A proper well-founded education can create social mobility, can create choices in life and can create opportunity and that is what we come to celebrate today. Such education requires great teachers and that is what this university has and you have all benefited from.

“While I am honoured myself to receive this degree this afternoon, I am equally proud and pleased to be joining all the graduands to celebrate your success in education and to look forward to your futures.”

Ged O'Dwyer, Manufacturing Sector Head for MBDA Missile Systems UK, received an honorary degree and Doctor of Engineering for his outstanding contribution to engineering. Ged oversees the delivery of complex weapons systems at MBDA's £50 million facility in Bolton.

His career is intertwined with MBDA and its predecessor businesses, where he accumulated extensive experience across operational, technical and leadership roles.

He said: “I am truly honoured to receive this degree and I am very grateful to the University. I wish you all the very best in the future.”

Other honorary doctorates presented on Monday 15 July:

Mehmet Gültekin – Doctor of Education Mehmet is a pioneer in education, celebrated for his ground-breaking initiatives and transformative projects. In 1997, he founded the Horizon Education Group and transformed it into a globally recognised brand; forging partnerships with government agencies, leading global universities and influential non-governmental organisations. Mehmet leads on strategy as a board member of the European Business Council and the British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey. As a global benefactor and supporter of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, he received the Royal Infinity Badge and Plaque from His Royal Highness Prince Edward.

Dr C George M Fernie – Doctor of Laws Dr Fernie has had an illustrious career in the field of medicine, beginning as a House Officer at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow in 1977. He progressed to influential roles like Advisor to NHS Education Scotland, where he helped develop and implement New to Forensics course modules in 2013. He holds several pivotal positions, including Caldicott Guardian at Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Appraisal Lead at National Services Scotland and Partner Organisations. His extensive work, publications, commentaries and contributions are widely respected throughout the industry. Dr Fernie was awarded the BMA Association Medal in 2011.

Hitesh Patel – Doctor of Engineering Hitesh is the Founder and Principal of Blue3Aero consultancy, a boutique firm operating within the aviation industry. He has more than three decades of experience in directing and building world-renowned businesses. Hitesh holds an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and boasts a career full of diverse accomplishments, from overseeing critical P&L interventions to navigating complex mergers and acquisitions. He is celebrated hailed as a global leader in aviation innovation.

Carl Ward – Doctor of Education Carl boasts an impressive career spanning 28 years in education. He is CEO of the City Learning Trust, an all-through Academy Trust in Staffordshire. He is also the Chair and Founder of the Foundation for Education Development. He is also Chair of the Careers and Enterprise Company’s Education Advisory Board, where he has been instrumental in shaping the country's career strategy. Carl participated in the Prime Minister’s Talent & Enterprise Taskforce and his advisory role to the Number 10 policy unit, which was recognised with a Fellowship from the Chartered College of Teaching in 2020.

Christopher Morris – Master of Engineering Christopher is the Lead Mechanical Engineer for Keating Supercars at the University of Bolton’s National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME). He is the sole team technician responsible for the race team vehicles and he supports students as they learn with supercars, EV, city cars and motorcycles.