Honorary Graduates Anthony Berry MBE and Dr Michael Fisher
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to Keele University and the local area, Anthony Berry MBE and Dr Michael Fisher have been awarded Honorary Degrees.
Through the foundation of the North Staffs Heart Committee, Anthony Berry has raised over £7 million over the past 37 years, and has been awarded Master of the University.
Speaking about his Honorary Degree, Anthony said: “The honour of being brought here for this event is tremendous. You don’t necessarily do charity work for the honours, but when they come, they’re very nice to receive - but it’s the work we’ve done to get there that matters. You receive these things on behalf of many thousands of people who helped you to get there.”
As chairman and then Provost of the Midland Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Dr Michael Fisher served on the National Council RCGP and initiated the Medical Audit Group in Staffordshire.
Michael was also instrumental in establishing the Keele Research Practice Network facilitating the GP Academic Training Scheme linked to the MMedSci, and has been awarded Doctor of the University.
Speaking about his Honorary Degree, Michael commented: “It’s a huge honour, not only for me but for General Practice. General Practice is the bedrock of the healthcare system, and for General Practice to be picked in this way is tremendous. It’s great that Keele has this Primary Care focus, and that medical students have the opportunity of sampling General Practice.”
Volunteering is something that many Keele students get involved with, and in the last year students at Keele have volunteered over 25,000 hours through local charities and organisations.
Anthony commented: “There’s nothing better than volunteering, particularly for a local organisation - either attached to your university or in the local area. Involvement in volunteering is an excellent step into adult working situations, and it stands them in good stead for life.”
Finally, Michael advised students who are graduating this week to, “Go for something that you feel passionate about. If you’ve got a vision for teaching, go for that, if it’s research, go for that. Don’t let things stand in your way.”