One of the UK’s leading historians, Sir David Cannadine, has told OU graduates that the university has “irrevocably transformed higher education for the better” as he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at a ceremony in Manchester today.
Sir David joined more than 250 OU students collecting their qualifications at Manchester’s Bridgwater Hall, alongside social justice campaigner and political activist, Baroness Margaret Prosser OBE.
Sir David Cannadine is one of the UK’s pre-eminent scholars, collecting a host of awards and accolades throughout his career. His passion for history was sparked by an inspirational teacher, and he has a long-standing interest in the way the subject is now taught in schools.
Addressing the assembled OU graduates, Mr Cannadine reminded them that learning does not stop at the end of a qualification. He said:
“The habit of curiosity, and the desire to learn, which have been nurtured and encouraged during your time as OU students, are things that should stay with you for ever. There are always new things to learn, new ideas to engage with, new viewpoints to assimilate and to explore. Truly, learning is a lifelong experience, and as the graduates of the one British university pre-eminently dedicated and devoted to that mission, I hope that is something you will never forget.”
The full text of the address is available here.
The award was presented by the OU’s Director of Communications, Lucian Hudson, who said:
“Sir David’s work is astonishingly broad as well as deeply learned, stretching across social, cultural, economic, political and imperial history. We are delighted to recognise both his scholarship and his contribution to the historical profession more generally, as an advocate for history as an essential and relevant subject in a complex and changing world.”
The full citation can be downloaded here.
Meanwhile, Baroness Margaret Prosser was also made an Honorary Doctor of The Open University. Presenting her award, University Secretary, Keith Zimmerman, said:
Baroness Margaret Prosser
“Margaret is an inspirational campaigner, tireless advocate for the vulnerable and a redoubtable defender of equal rights, particularly in the workplace, where she has championed the importance of work–life balance, gender equality and high-quality part-time work. We are delighted to honour her life and her contribution to social justice and equality of opportunity in Britain.”
People from all walks of life, of all ages and backgrounds, from a spectrum of careers and industries also gathered to celebrate achieving their degrees with The Open University. Many of those collecting certificates have done so alongside working, bringing up a family or coping with difficult circumstances.
