Army veteran recognised by the University of Northampton

A veteran who served with the British Army for 38 years has been honoured by the University of Northampton.

David Santa-Olalla received an honorary fellowship from the University on Wednesday 25 July, during a graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology students.

He received the award in recognition to the leather industry, thanks to his role as clerk to the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, and his contribution as a governor of the University.

David completed a 38 year career in the British Army, retiring as a brigadier in 2008. After initial training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he was commissioned into the Green Howards Regiment in 1973. Following a number of operational tours and staff jobs, David was appointed to command the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment after which he again spent time in command and staff appointments in the UK, Europe, the Far East and Africa.

In 2009 he became clerk to the Leathersellers’ Company, a Livery guild and charitable foundation with a particular interest in the leather trade. David is a patron of a veterans’ charity and a trustee of two charitable trusts.

In September 2009, David also became a governor of the University of Northampton and served the post for three years. He remains fully supportive of the University, in particular its Institute for Creative Leather Technologies.