University honours local high achievers

3:20am Tuesday 8th July 2008

A who’s who of movers and shakers who have made an impact on Yorkshire life are to be rewarded with honorary degrees by Bradford University.

Eight distinguished figures have been shortlisted to receive the honours at a series of ceremonies next week.

Two graduates of the university are being honoured, including Rose Stephens, who retired as deputy chief executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in March.

She will be bestowed as Honorary Doctor of the University for her efforts in developing a working relationship between the university and the Trust, for her help in introducing an evidence-based approach to practice and her commitment to widening participation.

Following her training as a nurse she studied for a certificate and diploma in management studies at Bradford & Ilkley College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organisational Studies at Bradford University.

She spent time as operations manager for general surgery at St James’s Hospital, in Leeds, and joined Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 1994.

As deputy chief executive, she is responsible for delivering clinical services at Bradford Teaching Hospitals.

A spokesman for Bradford University said: “Rose has an outstanding record of delivering improved patient care and developing the services she has managed.

“Working at board level for over 11 years, Rose has an unusual combination of a clear focus upon delivery at an operational level and strong strategic leadership, achieving major organisational change and development.”

She is also a Justice of the Peace, a non-executive director of the West Yorkshire Workforce Development Confederation and a member of the Court of the University of Bradford.

Fellow graduate and philanthropist, Dr Mo Ibrahim, who studied an MSc in Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the University in the 1970s, is recognised for his pioneering work developing mobile communication systems and transforming communications infrastructure in Africa. He set up the Mo Ibrahim Foundation two years ago to promote good governance among heads of state in African countries.

Sudanese by birth, he also founded communications provider Celtel International, one of Africa’s most successful companies.

He was listed by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, earlier this year.

Other honorary graduates include Tom Riordan for his work as chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, and Colin Ross for contributing to improving road safety by developing braking systems for heavy goods vehicles.

Sir Roger Toulson is honoured as an author and a Judge of the High Court of Justice, while Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik is also included for his work towards community cohesion and racial harmony.

Television news presenters, Christa Ackroyd and Harry Gration, who were both brought up in Bradford, are also acknowledged for their contribution to regional news coverage.

The presentation ceremonies on July 16, 17 and 18 are being conducted by University’s Chancellor Imran Khan and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Cleary.

Prof Cleary said: “We look forward to welcoming this group of honorary graduates.

“It is with great pride that we have been given this opportunity to honour such an array of distinguished colleagues and their achievements are an impressive testament to their talents.”

e-mail: ben.barnett @telegraphandargus.co.uk

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