Eighty-seven-year-old Tony is among hundreds of graduates at degree ceremony

Over 600 students arrived at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Newport, as part of The Open University’s Wales graduation.

In both morning and afternoon ceremonies, students walked across the ICC stage to receive their degrees from the OU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise and Scholarship, Professor Kevin Shakesheff, and OU in Wales Director, Ben Lewis.

Among the graduates was 87-year-old Tony Morton from Cardiff. The retired company director began studying for a degree during the covid pandemic and national lockdown.

'I would not have got through my studies but for the technical help I have received and the support from my OU associate lecturers,' said Tony. 'As Covid began to lock up the UK, I was at a loss. I was a very active 84-year-old not looking forward to being locked up and lonely. Persuaded by family to fulfil one of my life’s ambitions, I began to study a degree with the OU and set out on my virtual voyage of discovery.'

After finishing his degree earlier this year, Tony was recognised at the Inspire! Adult learning awards, winning an award in the Ageing Well Category.

Tony and his fellow students were joined by OU honorary graduates Dr Jane Davidson and Jason Mohammad.

Jane Davidson is a former Cardiff city councillor, Assembly Member for Pontypridd and Minister in the Welsh Government.

As Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, she introduced the UK’s first levy on single use carrier bags; and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which has made sustainable development the central organising principle of the Welsh public sector.

Jane Davidson said:

'I'm passionate about making sure that we have a liveable future for all of us on this single planet of ours. I am delighted to be here to receive an Open University honorary degree. It is the most amazing accolade. The OU is perfectly placed to help all its students understand the impact of not taking action on their lives and the lives of future generations'.

Jason Mohammad, from Ely, Cardiff, began his career on BBC Wales today. He currently presents the Radio Wales morning show, and is recognised across the UK as a sports broadcaster in rugby, football and athletics.

As a Muslim, Jason has spoken openly about his faith. In 2009, he made Y Daith, a documentary for S4C on his pilgrimage to Mecca, which he described as a ‘spiritual awakening’.

He has also given his backing to organisations helping young Black, Asian, and minority ethnic people into sport; and set up his own Jason Mohammad Academy, in partnership with Cardiff and Vale College, which seeks to support young people in and near the capital who are interested in a career in broadcasting.

Jason Mohammad said:

'I’m absolutely delighted to accept this wonderful honour from the Open University in Wales. I have a very good friend who completed a degree with the OU and is now living the dream in California. I’ve never stopped promoting lifelong learning, and it’s something I’m very committed to given the rise and rise of my media Academy.'

'We all need to do more to encourage people to either continue or start to enhance their opportunities by reading, writing and being inquisitive about our world. Congratulations to all the graduates. And I wish you the very best in whatever you do next. I admire you. I am thrilled for you and now go out and show the world what you’re all about.'