Hundreds of students from the Faculty of Education & Sport and the Business School, took to the stage to collect their awards on front of proud family and friends.

Among them was Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, the founder and chair of Remembering Srebrenica, a charity that provides education and awareness around the genocide that took place in Srebrenica during the Bosnia war in 1995.

He received an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of services to community service and cultural dialogue.

Dr Azmi came the UK when he was 13-years-old unable to speak English. He went on to become Chief Diversity Adviser at the Cabinet Office and EU Ambassador of Intercultural Dialogue, as well as setting up Remembering Srebrenica.

On collecting his award, Dr Azmi said: “I feel very honoured to receive this award today and to be affiliated with the University. The world is thirsty for good values. Don’t leave a legacy in sand that blows away when the wind blows. Leave a legacy etched in people’s hearts."

He continued: “Leave this university with the upmost confidence. The world is your oyster but it requires determination, hard work and sacrifice.”

Dr Azmin was joined by Sir Hugh Robertson, the Chairman of the British Olympic Association. He received an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of services to sport.

Special recognition was also given to MA Education (Special Educational Needs) student Louise Cunningham, who was awarded the prize for the highest average grade across her programme.

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell offered his congratulations to the Class of 2017, saying: “You are justifiably proud of yourselves, but you could not be prouder than we, your teachers, your parents, relatives and friends, and your University, are of you.”