Carol Vorderman conferred with honorary degree from UWE Bristol
Television personality, broadcaster and writer Carol Vorderman MBE has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by UWE Bristol.
The former Countdown presenter was one of three people receiving honorary degrees this week in recognition of outstanding achievements in their chosen fields.
The citation for her honorary degree stated: "Carol Vorderman has spent decades in the public eye as a television and radio presenter, author and champion of maths and engineering.
"She has worked tirelessly to break down barriers that prevent young women from studying STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. She funds bursaries for aspiring maths students and during lockdown her online coaching courses helped half a million primary school children to love numeracy as she does."
The citation concluded that her influence stretches "far beyond the small screen" and that she believes in "leading by example, speaking truth to power and using her voice to highlight causes close to her heart, from environmental awareness to mental health and social justice".
Born in 1960, she grew up in a single-parent family in poverty in North Wales, alongside her sister, brother and beloved mum Jean.
She excelled academically and became the first person from North Wales to gain admission to the University of Cambridge at just 17.
From a young age, she was passionate about maths, which secured her a role on Countdown in 1982, cementing her position as one of the most successful and popular female presenters in British TV history.
She is also known for her political activism and recently published 'Now What? On a Mission to Fix Broken Britain'. In recognition of her contributions to broadcasting, Carol was awarded an MBE in 2000.
Carol said: "It really is a privilege to receive an honorary doctorate from a University which is important to my family. My son Cameron was a special needs child and after two years at Filton College, where he obtained a distinction, UWE gave him a chance to read animation.
"He graduated with a first class degree and went on to Dundee to get his masters degree. UWE gave him an opportunity and it lifted him.
"We’ve lived in our stunning and kind city of Bristol for nearly 20 years now and UWE and its students are a huge part of the city, bringing it to life in so many ways.
"At the graduation ceremony today, I talked about how the younger generation gives me hope.
"They are more tolerant, kinder, more curious and creative than my generation was brought up to be. It was a delight to be among so many of that younger generation today. Thank you UWE. I feel humbled."
