The Lord Shuttleworth (Charles) KG KCVO, the fifth Baron Shuttleworth, offered some life advice to the hundreds of students that graduated alongside him and his wife Ann.
He said: “Never miss the chance to do something new, to gain experiences and above all to meet real people.
“Get away from the screen and social media and accept invitations to events where you may not know anybody. Do things that make you nervous or you may not want to do. Get out of your comfort zone.
“The future is so unpredictable and opportunities often appear by chance so make sure you lay yourself open to unforeseen possibilities. An unexpected stroke of luck can come from a chance meeting.”
Lord Shuttleworth is a peer of the realm and was educated at Eton College. He became a chartered surveyor, securing a career spanning four decades that started as director of Burnley Building Society.
He was also a member of the House of Lords for 23 years and chairman of the Rural Development Commission.
That was followed by 16 years as a member and eight years as chairman of the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster. In 1997 the Queen appointed him Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, a position he held for 26 years.
In April 2016 Lord Shuttleworth was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order in the world and the pinnacle of the United Kingdom’s honours system.
He is one of just 24 Knights Companion, alongside fellow Edge Hill University honorary graduate Baroness Cathy Ashton of Upholland.
Lady Ann Shuttleworth also has held an impressive number of roles throughout her career including High Sheriff of Lancashire, County President of the Royal College of Midwives, Chair of the Lancashire Community Council, Chair of the Lune Valley Rural Housing Association, president for 28 years of Community Futures and a patron of Cancer Care.
The couple have five children between them.
Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University Dr John Cater said: “The work of Charles and Ann in Lancashire and their contribution to the county and society is almost immeasurable. It is for this they were commended by Edge Hill University.
“Together for more than 25 years they have represented the Crown and are patrons for local charities and have held many voluntary sector responsibilities in Lancashire.”
Edge Hill’s Academic Board awards honorary degrees in recognition of the highest levels of personal achievement in academic, professional or public life.
The other 2024 recipients are:
- Chris Kirkland, former professional goalkeeper, a Liverpool FC player and winner of an England cap;
- Dame Louise Ellman, former Leader of Lancashire County Council and former Member of Parliament for Liverpool Riverside;
- The Right Honourable Lord Justice Tim Holroyde, who has had an extensive legal career spanning several decades;
- Steve Igoe, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University who recently retired after 28 years service.
Previous recipients include BBC journalist Clive Myrie, comedian Michael Pennington, better known as Johnny Vegas, actor David Morrissey, screenwriter and playwright Heidi Thomas, and Wally Brown CBE, ex-college Principal and community leader in Liverpool.
ENDS
July 19, 2024
