University of Bolton’s week-long graduation celebration wraps up as hundreds of proud students awarded degrees

Students from the University of Bolton’s School of Clinical and Biomedical Science and School of Health and Society were awarded their degrees on the last day of a week-long graduation celebration.

Graduands and their friends and families gathered for three ceremonies in the Albert Halls in Bolton’s magnificent town hall building.

The University’s Chancellor Emeritus, Baroness Morris of Bolton, conferred the degrees.

Lady Morris said: “To the class of 2024 – congratulations, we’re so proud of your achievements, which are a testament to all your hard work and dedication. I know that 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 newspaper – so your achievements should not be underestimated.”

She added: “As graduates of this great institution, you can be immensely proud to have arrived at this moment. We are delighted to have been a chapter in your story and we can’t wait to see what happens next.”

Honorary degree recipients included:

Victoria Claire – Doctor of Arts For more than three decades, Victoria Claire, has enjoyed global success as a professional sculpture artist, creating pieces from wood for private commissions from the UK to Australia. Victoria's groundbreaking exhibition, ‘Blind: A Sixth Sense,’ featured sculptures in a pitch-black gallery space, providing art lovers with the unique experience of interpreting visual art without sight. Victoria suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa and is nearing the final stages of sight loss, giving her firsthand experience of its profound psychological impact. She serves as an ambassador for two major sight loss organisations and is a passionate advocate for the visually impaired community, using her art to raise awareness and inspire understanding.

Michael Josephson MBE – Doctor Social Science A charity campaigner, successful businessman and mental health awareness advocate, Michael has dedicated himself to supporting young, underprivileged people. Michael's early life was marked by tragedy and adversity. He lost his mother at the age of just nine and endured abuse while in care, leading to self-medication and attempted suicide. Despite facing immense challenges, including months in hospital and rehabilitation to walk again, Michael persevered to positively transform his life and impact many others. His fundraising efforts provide vital money for various charitable causes and the 2023 Michael Josephson MBE Charity Ball raised more than £1m alone.

R Andrew Voyce MA – Doctor of Social Science Andrew is a Researcher at the University of Sussex who has made significant strides in the field of mental health, despite his own diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Andrew's impactful contributions range from public speaking on mental health issues to narrative books tailored for mental health service users. He has also produced creative works including narrative cartoons depicting psychosis and life in old asylums. His publications, including ‘Psychosis: Stories of Recovery and Hope’, are highly regarded within the industry and they reflect his dedication to enhancing understanding and support for mental health sufferers.

Marco Gatti – Doctor of Business Administration Marco is a distinguished Sammarinese politician and member of the Great General Council. He joined the Domagnano section of the Sammarinese Christian Democratic Party in the 90s and advanced to the role of Party Secretary, displaying his leadership and commitment to the party's mission. A prominent voice in opposition to organised crime; Marco became president of the Sammarinese Anti-Mafia Commission in 2011.