The University of Bolton's first Chancellor, Baroness Morris of Bolton OBE DL, paid tribute to her University and its Vice Chancellor as her appointment was celebrated in official ceremonies at the University's Degree Congregation Ceremony on Friday morning, 16 July 2010.
Lady Morris, a Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, told graduating students that Vice Chancellor, Dr George Holmes, had the energy, drive, vision and enthusiasm to take the University through the next chapter of its history.
She said: 'I thank the university governing council for this great honour. Becoming Chancellor of the University of Bolton combines my two great loves – education and Bolton.'
The new Chancellor spoke warmly of her childhood in Bolton, and her inspirational mother and grandmother who set great store by reading and education. The home of Lady Morris' grandmother has long since been demolished. The site is now part of the University of Bolton campus.
Lady Morris received two Honorary Doctorates to mark her appointment. Higher degrees of Doctor of Laws, for her contribution to legislative processes and democracy, and Doctor of Philosophy, for her contribution to political thought.
Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate at the Friday morning ceremony was BBC North West Tonight television news anchorman, Gordon Burns.
And to celebrate and commemorate Lady Morris' appointment, those receiving Honorary Fellowships in the past were invited to receive Honorary Doctorates. Recipients included Nobel prize-winning scientist, Sir Harry Kroto, playwright Jim Cartwright and actor Frank Finlay CBE.
Brief Biography of Chancellor, Baroness Morris of Bolton OBE DL
Patricia Morris, who was Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party, became a member of the House of Lords in June 2004, when she was appointed a Life Peer. She is now a Deputy Speaker.
In her six years as a Front Bench Conservative working peer, Lady Morris served as Shadow Minister for Education, Shadow Minister for Children, Schools and Families, Shadow Minister for Women and was an Opposition Whip. Lady Morris was also a spokesman on Health and Work and Pensions.
Lady Morris is a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and is also Chairman of the Conservative Middle East Council as well as Chairman of the All Party Group for the Arab League. Lady Morris is a member of the International Advisory Board of the Amman Arab University and also a Patron of the Committee for Education in the Commonwealth. Additionally she has been Vice-Chairman of the All Party Group for Britain/Palestine. She is currently President of the World Travel Market. Other parliamentary roles and interests have included being Vice Chairman of the Breast Cancer All Party Group and Vice Chairman for the All Party Group on Children and Families, as well as co-Chair of Women in Public Policy.
Lady Morris is a Trustee of UNICEF UK, a Trustee of both The Disability Partnership and the Transformation Trust and is president of the National Benevolent Institution.
She is uniquely honoured by the University with her admission simultaneously to the Higher Degrees of Doctor of Laws, for her contribution to legislative processes and democracy, and Doctor of Philosophy, for her contribution to political thought. Lady Morris became the first Chancellor of the University of Bolton on 1 January 2010 and her formal installation is celebrated at this ceremony. Her tenure runs until 31 December 2012.