Leading lights from international business, higher education and sport have been recognised with honorary degrees from the University of Leeds.
Professor Peter Buckley OBE, Sir Alan Langlands and Kevin Sinfield CBE received the prestigious awards at graduation ceremonies in the University’s Grade II-listed Great Hall.
Professor Peter Buckley OBE – Doctor of Laws
A former Professor of International Business at the University of Leeds, Peter was the founding Director of its Centre of International Business.
Peter has taught at universities across the world and has published more than 250 articles and almost 30 books, as well as editing a further 20.
He has undertaken consultancy assignments for government, international bodies and companies.
“Leeds took a big decision to create a world class international business school. It only happened because we had very good people and a clear mission. To receive this honorary degree all these years later is just the icing on the cake,” he said.
Asked for his advice for those entering the world of business, he said: “Be very open to all influences and learn from others but always be yourself. Negotiate your way through life using personal integrity.
“If you move in different cultures, it is amazing how much you can learn about how other societies deal with challenges. International business is not just about selling units in a country, it is about understanding that country in a socially responsible way.”
Sir Alan Langlands – Doctor of Laws
Sir Alan Langlands has undertaken a range of senior leadership and trustee roles in the healthcare and higher education sectors.
He is well-known within the University of Leeds community, having served as its 12th Vice-Chancellor.
Prior to this, Sir Alan was Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee.
Before entering higher education, Sir Alan forged a distinguished career in health service management, culminating in six years as Chief Executive of the National Health Service. For this, he was awarded a knighthood in 1998.
In his graduation speech, Sir Alan said: “Over seven years, I had the honour of graduating many thousands of students. It is a privilege to be on the receiving end.
“The degree ceremony here combines the solemn and un-pompous – a rite of passage with proper formality but also a time for joyful celebration.”
Congratulating this year’s graduates, especially those entering the legal profession, he added: “If you’re not careful, you might even become the Prime Minister, a Leeds alumnus!”
Kevin Sinfield CBE – Doctor of Laws
Former rugby league player Kevin Sinfield spent his professional playing career with the Leeds Rhinos and is recognised as one of the most successful players in Super League history.
Since retiring from professional rugby, Kevin has undertaken coaching roles including his current role with the England men’s rugby union team.
“Whether its sport or business, life is about getting the best out of people, providing them with a platform to do what they are incredibly talented at.”
He is a passionate fundraiser for charities associated with Motor Neurone Disease. The ‘7 in 7 in 7’ challenge in 2023 saw him run an ultra-marathon each day for seven days in seven cities, starting at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
Through this, and other endurance challenges inspired by his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who sadly died this year, Kevin has helped to raise more than £15 million.
He said: “This is a huge honour and I am humbled to receive the degree alongside graduates who have worked incredibly hard.
“Whether its sport or business, life is about getting the best out of people, providing them with a platform to do what they are incredibly talented at.”
Kevin is now preparing for his next fundraising challenge, which will see him run 50km every day for a week in December.
“Rob’s passing doesn’t change anything. This is about ensuring that his legacy lives on. It is a community that we need to support,” he added.
Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “The graduation ceremonies are a highlight of the academic year for all of us in the University community and I would like to offer my congratulations to those graduating this year.
“For more than a century, we have also conferred honorary awards on individuals who embody excellence across a wide range of disciplines. Our honorary graduands this year are role models for today’s students and provide inspiration for us all.”
Further information
Read about previous honorary graduands at the University of Leeds.
Further information about this year’s graduation ceremonies.