Honour for Scarborough business leader

Scarborough entrepreneur John Senior MBE TD has received an honorary degree from the University of Hull.
John Senior MBE TD has received an honorary degreeJohn Senior MBE TD has received an honorary degree
John Senior MBE TD has received an honorary degree

The former Territorial Army officer turned businessman and charity founder was honoured alongside students from the University’s Scarborough Campus.

Held at Scarborough Spa, on Friday July 15, graduates and their families celebrated the end of their studies with a formal ceremony followed by afternoon tea. Later, back at the Scarborough Campus, students are invited to Gradfest – a summer festival-themed celebration with live music.

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John said: “I am hugely honoured and humbled to have been considered worthy to carry the title of Honorary Doctorate of the University of Hull, and all the responsibilities that go with it, particularly as in my earlier years I was far from a model student. In fact I was something of an educational disaster, believing it better to be the school comedian than to actually contribute anything useful to life.

“My wake up call came when I found a letter written to my parents explaining why my school felt that an early departure was required and the line ‘If life was a one horse race, then I am afraid John would very likely still come second’ made me realise that things clearly had to change. I vowed that from that very moment my parents would never have cause to be ashamed of me again, and today my only regret is that two of the three people who never lost faith in me couldn’t be here to share this wonderful moment with my wife Nicola and I.”

University Registrar, Jeannette Strachan, paid tribute to Major Senior’s remarkable career and charity work.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted to honour John. He is an inspirational figure, combining entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to worthwhile causes, both regionally and further afield.

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“We hope that his achievements will motivate our new graduates to strive for success in their chosen careers.”

This month, a new report released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency ranked the University of Hull in the top 10 for graduate employability – great news for those collecting their degrees this week.

Around 3,000 graduates have received their degrees at Hull City Hall and Scarborough Spa during the last few days. Every faculty of the University was represented, with graduates of all levels from foundation degrees to PhDs.