Oration given by Ronan O'Beirne, Director of Learning Development and Research, on 6th December 2011

"Principal and Chair, the Corporation of Bradford College has resolved that the award of Honorary Fellowship of Bradford College be conferred upon Mr Gerry Sutcliffe MP.

Honorary Fellows of Bradford College are selected on the basis of strict criteria -the overarching general principle being - demonstrable value to the wider community and more specifically, a continued involvement in one or more of the following five activities:

 Firstly, support for the interests and welfare of Bradford College or a particular part of the College’s activities;

 Secondly the promotion of the academic purposes of the College.

Third – activities that are seen to be fostering the links between the College and the communities it serves;

 Fourth - enhancing educational opportunities among persons with limited prospects - for reasons which they could not overcome;

 And finally honorary fellowship is awarded in recognition of services to or support to the City and District of Bradford.

Mr Gerry Sutcliffe continues to demonstrate value in all five of these activities. He is a staunch supporter of the educational principles that underpin this college and he is aware of the life opportunities and wider personal benefits that are achieved through the education process.   

In the early 1970s Gerry was a student at Bradford Technical College where he completed his Junior Retai Trade Certificate and later, as his career changed, he studied at the college on various Trade Union Studies programmes. 

After an initial period in retail Gerry moved into printing, working at the Telegraph & Argus newspaper. His career in politics developed through his active involvement in the printing union SOGAT and from here he went on to become the youngest full-time trade union official in the country. He took his politics seriously and - in the 1982 local elections Gerry was elected to Bradford Council - by 1992, he was the Labour Leader of Bradford Council.  

Following the tragic death of Bob Cryer MP in 1994  - Gerry stepped forward into national politics and became member of parliament for the Bradford South constituency - a seat he has held ever since.

In June 2007 Gerry was made Home Office Minister in the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, and it was in his capacity as Minister for Sport - that he formally opened the new, 20 million pound Trinity Green Campus here at Bradford College in September 2008.  Gerry’s interest in and support for sports facilities in the local community is well known and hugely appreciated.
Throughout his political career, his determination to build a better Bradford remains as strong as ever and his insight into the critical role education and sport play for the people of Bradford has been an important feature of his work.  

In January 2009   while launching the Bradford Disability Sports Academy  Gerry said: “Sport can help so many people in so many ways and disability sport is on the increase.” Adding to this he noted - “There is a general increase in people’s understanding of the benefits sports can have to people with disabilities.”

In October of 2009  speaking at the formal opening of the Appleton Academy, Gerry said: “The Appleton Academy creates a tremendous opportunity and a unique educational experience for the people of Bradford. 

To conclude Gerry recently said “Bradford College has played a key role in my life; in personal terms and in getting me started in my political career.”

And so it is our hope here today that through this award we recognise the key role Gerry has played in the life of Bradford College.  

For all your accomplishments as well as those yet to come, Bradford College is proud to honour you with the award of honorary fellowship.

Principal and Chair, I present to you Mr Gerry Sutcliffe MP."