Posted on 9 May 2013
Hywel Ceri Jones, Dai Jones Llanilar and Andrew Green
The University of Wales recently held its annual Graduation celebrations at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. Over 2,000 students, along with their guests, joined the University over the two day event to mark the end of their studies.
As well as celebrating the achievements of our students, the university also admitted three Honorary Graduates to the University during the celebrations. Awarded to recognise achievements in either academe, the arts, literature, science, commerce and industry, professional life and service to the public or to the University, these degrees were awarded on an honorary basis.
The first Honorary Graduate to be presented was Hywel Ceri Jones, CMG. Born in Neath and educated at the then University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, Hywel Ceri Jones has held many senior posts at the European Commission and is responsible for the creation of many EU flagship programmes such as ERASMUS. Throughout his career in Europe he has also held the post of European advisor to the Secretary of State for Wales, and Chairman of the European Policy Centre (Brussels). In recognition for his dedication and lifelong commitment to his work in Europe, especially in the field of education, the university awarded Hywel Ceri Jones the honorary degree of Doctor of the University, which was presented by Alun Thomas, Chairman of the University Council.
Speaking after receiving his award, Hywel Ceri Jones said: “I am very happy to deepen my close relationship with the University of Wales and delighted to see the significant effort of the University to develop a high quality international dimension.”
The second Honorary Graduate was Dai Jones Llanilar, MBE. A Welsh television presenter and radio broadcaster, he is also one of the best known faces in Welsh farming. Awarded an MBE in the 1999 New years honours for services to Entertainment in Wales, he has also won a BAFTA Cymru for his contributions to Welsh television broadcasting, and the Sir Bryner Jones Award for his contribution to rural affairs (both in 2004). Presented by Council member Arwel Ellis Owen, the University of Wales awarded Dai Jones Llanilar the degree of Masters of Arts honoris causa in recognition of these extensive contributions to the development of agriculture in Wales and for his distinction as a television presenter and singer.
Clearly delighted by this further recognition, Dai Jones Llanilar said on receiving the award: “This honour has touched my heart and I am enormously grateful”.
The final Honorary Graduate presented during the celebrations was Andrew Green. Presented by Professor Dafydd Johnston, Director of the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa, in recognition of his significant contribution to the safeguarding of Wales’ cultural heritage through this work as the Librarian of the National Library of Wales. Having previously worked in University libraries in Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Sheffield and Swansea, Andrew Green was appointed to this post at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth in 1998, a position he held until very recently. During his fifteen year tenure, the National library has flourished; programmes of outreach and educational activities across the country has ensured the library fulfills its mission as a national institution, and the innovative use of digital technology has made the library’s collections accessible online to a worldwide audience.
Speaking after the ceremony, Andrew Green commented: “Having worked in the Higher Education sector in Wales for most of my career, it is a great honour for me to be recognised by the University in this way”.
The University of Wales is delighted to recognize the achievements and contributions that Hywel Ceri Jones, Dai Jones Llanilar and Andrew Green have each made in their respective fields and is very proud to welcome them all as Honorary Graduates of the University of Wales.