A huge honour yesterday to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Staffordshire in front of fellow alumni, my family and honorary doctorate family. I originally graduated from Staffordshire University (as it was then!) in 2000, and over the years have made no secret of how much I loved my time there. Working with the university during my time as deputy leader and then leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council was exceptionally special, and I have a great many friends at the University as a result.
The award of honorary doctorate was such a surprise, and of course something that I will cherish. A group of fellow alumni were there to watch, and I couldn't resist a photo with them. The University team made my family very welcome and looked after us so well, which was helpful as this was perhaps the first, and maybe only, time I will get to speak in public in front of my parents, husband and children about just how strongly I feel about the place I live. You can watch my speech on this link - the whoop near the beginning is fellow honorary doctor (and Oscar winner!) Rachel Shenton.
I was always a proud graduate of the University of Staffordshire, now I am a proud honorary doctor too.
