University of Bolton students celebrate graduations

Graduates from the Deane Road university’s School of Clinical and Biomedical Science and School of Health and Society gathered with the friends and families for the ceremony.

They came together at the town centre’s Albert Halls to receive their degrees from the university’s Chancellor Emeritus, Baroness Patricia Morris of Bolton.

She 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.”

Victoria Claire accepting her honorary doctorate (Image: University of Bolton)

Alongside the class of 2024, honorary degrees were also handed out to recipients including Victoria Claire, who was made an honorary doctor of arts.

For more than three decades she has enjoyed global success as a professional sculpture artist, creating pieces from wood for private commissions from the UK to Australia.

Ms Claire’s exhibition, ‘Blind: A Sixth Sense,’ featured sculptures in a pitch-black gallery space, providing art lovers with the experience of interpreting visual art without sight.

She suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa and is nearing the final stages of sight loss, giving her firsthand experience of its psychological impact. 

Ms Claire also serves as an ambassador for two major sight loss organisations and uses her art to raise awareness and inspire understanding.

Also honoured was campaigner and businessman Michael Josephson MBE, who was made a doctor of social science in recognition of his work supporting underprivileged people.

Michael Josephson was amongst those honoured (Image: University of Bolton)

Mr Josephson 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 he persevered to positively transform his life and impact many others.

Mr Josephson’s fundraising efforts provide vital money for various charitable causes and the 2023 Michael Josephson MBE Charity Ball raised more than £1M.

University of Sussex researcher R Andrew Voyce MA was made an honorary doctor of social sciences thanks to his work in mental health, despite his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.

Andrew Voyce at the podium (Image: University of Bolton)

His works range from public speaking on mental health issues to narrative books tailored for mental health service users.

Mr Voyce has also produced creative works including narrative cartoons depicting psychosis and life in old asylums.

ALSO READ: Bolton students graduate from Children’s University

ALSO READ: Pomp and ceremony in Bolton as students celebrate the success of their hard work

ALSO READ: The funniest doctor in medicine is honoured.... as he made a Doctor again

His publications, including Psychosis: Stories of Recovery and Hope, are highly regarded within the industry and they reflect his dedication to enhancing support for mental health sufferers.

Finally Marco Gatti became an honorary doctor of business administration thank to his work as a 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 commitment to the party's mission.

Mr Gattis has become known as a prominent voice in opposition to organised crime and became president of the Sammarinese Anti-Mafia Commission in 2011.