Ross Brawn OBE joins class of 2011 at The University of Northampton

Ross Brawn OBE, boss of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team, has received an Honorary Doctorate from The University of Northampton on Sunday 13 February

The Award was part at the University's Winter Ceremonies program, and Mr Brawn joined 1,553 students graduating from the University at the Royal & Derngate.

Professor Nick Petford, presiding over his first graduation ceremonies as Vice Chancellor of The University of Northampton, opened proceedings by welcoming Mr Brawn, students from the University's School of Science and Technology, Northampton Business School, and their families and friends.

Professor Petford said: "Today represents a unique rite of passage for our graduates of 2011. As they prepare for productive and fulfilling futures, universities face significant challenges against a relentless cycle of cost-cutting."

Despite this, he added, the University was rightly proud of its track record and ongoing achievements in business engagement and volunteering. "Perhaps most importantly, in 2009 - the latest year for which we have records - over 92% of our graduates went into employment or further training," he concluded.

Mr Brawn accepted his Honorary Doctorate from Kamal Bechkoum, Dean of the University's School of Science and Technology.

Speaking to the Ceremonies audience, Mr Brawn said: "I would like to offer my sincere thanks for this Award. As a young man I took the workplace apprenticeship route, but I can see that today universities offer a broad and rounded education, which is appreciated by employers such as myself.

"Northamptonshire is the 'Silicon Valley' of motorsport, and The University of Northampton recognises this and is building strong links with businesses across the region, including our own. As well as offering its students opportunities to link in with, and providing 'shadowing days' at our factory, we are additionally sponsoring one of our staff to study for a degree at the University.