Seeing son graduate was the icing on the cake for honorary doctor
Former Port Vale footballer Adam Yates surprised his mum by graduating from Staffordshire University – 10 years after achieving his degree qualification.
Former Port Vale footballer Adam Yates surprised his mum by graduating from Staffordshire University – 10 years after achieving his degree qualification.
Education leader Margaret Yates was attending the first day of the University’s Summer Awards ceremonies to receive the university’s highest honour - Doctor of the University - in recognition of her services to the teaching profession and dedication to the development of young people, education and schooling in Stoke-on-Trent.
But to make her day extra special, son Adam collaborated with the University on making a surprise appearance – donning cap and gown and crossing the stage to be congratulated on his award by the University’s Chancellor The Lord Stafford.
Adam, who has worked at The Hubb Foundation since retiring from professional football in 2017, completed his PFA Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting degree in 2013 but was overseas with the Port Vale squad when his gradation ceremony was taking place.
He said: “My mum’s been having a moan that I didn’t have the opportunity to graduate and the team at the university have been outstanding in terms of making this happen.”
“I’m proud of my university degree but I’ve never been to a graduation ceremony before and it was an amazing experience. I’ve also been immensely proud since I found out my mum was getting an honorary degree and I honestly don’t think there’s been a day in my life when I’ve been more proud.”
Margaret, who is Chief Executive Officer of All Saints Catholic Collegiate, described the experience as “one of the best days of my life” and said she was feeling “on top of the world”.
She added: “I had no idea about what was happening and was so focused on the graduates crossing the stage that I hadn’t noticed that the last in line was Adam. And then my mouth just dropped. It’s what we refer to in schools as an A moment.”
Listen to Margaret’s acceptance speech here.
Maria Scrivens
Communications Manager
t: 01782 294375
m: 07766 520339
e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk
Staffordshire University’s ambition is to become the UK’s best modern university. An institution with a strong civic mission, it has committed to being a ‘catalyst for change’ for students and businesses, positively impacting wider society and the regional economy.
Staffordshire University was named a Top 5 university in the UK and ranked Top 10 for job prospects in the StudentCrowd University Awards 2022 – based entirely on student reviews. It also ranked Top 10 for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) classed 68% of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent and 87% of its ‘research impact’ was judged to be outstanding or very outstanding.
Substantial investment in innovative technologies and teaching environments ensure next generation courses and education are delivered across all three campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London.
