Honorary degree for Scarborough entrepreneur
Scarborough entrepreneur Major John Senior MBE has received an honorary degree from the University of Hull.
The former Territorial Army officer turned businessman and charity founder was honoured alongside students from the University’s Scarborough Campus.
Mr Senior 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, said: “We are absolutely delighted to honour John today.
“He is an inspirational figure, combining entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to worthwhile causes, both regionally and further afield.
“We hope that his achievements will motivate our new graduates to strive for success in their chosen careers.”