HUDDERSFIELD University’s chancellor picked up an honorary doctorate from a different university.
Sir Patrick Stewart received an honorary degree yesterday from the University of East Anglia in Norwich. It meant students in Huddersfield receiving their awards had a recorded message from the star.
In Norwich, Sir Patrick spoke of the courage needed to succeed in life beyond education, saying: “Courage is one of the most important attributes in life, whether it is in how we approach work, society or relationships.
“To some it comes naturally but to others it is harder. Timidity is a killer and it is something I have learnt to overcome whenever I am confronted with a big decision.”
The Shakespearean actor, who found fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, also expressed concern over the reform of tuition fees.
He said: “As somebody who left a secondary modern school at the age of 15 years and two days, it means a great deal for me to be invited here today.
“Education is the future of the world and it is important that efforts are made to ensure that is not compromised.
“There are very real concerns that many students will be discouraged from making applications to universities due to the massive increase in tuition fees.”
He added that Huddersfield University had made efforts to keep fees as low as possible.
Today’s honour is Sir Patrick’s fourth honorary degree in the UK and he holds several similar awards in the US.
