University honour for outgoing council boss

Pamela Mason (29) is congratulated by her mum, Linda Wrigley

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A FOND farewell was said to council chief executive Andrew Kilburn from the University Centre Oldham (UCO) — in the form of an honorary award.

Mr Kilburn donned a red cap and gown at yesterday’s graduation ceremony to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Laws.

The honour is in recognition of his work for Oldham and education in the borough.

Mr Kilburn said: “I’m very proud to be made an honorary graduate, it is personally very pleasing but more importantly, it’s pleasing for Oldham.

“The University Centre Oldham is designed for days like this when we see large numbers of people going through as graduates, and the real pride is that it will continue to grow from here.

“I’m really very pleased to be recognised in this way, but as I say, the sense of achievement for me is for the town because we have delivered a facility that will make a difference to the town for years to come.”

Professor Bob Cryan, vice-chancellor of Huddersfield University, paid tribute to Mr Kilburn and the work he had carried out in his role.

He said: “Andrew provided tremendous leadership for Oldham Council and has seen Oldham through some very difficult times.

“His energy and enthusiasm has seen people unite in the borough.

“He has also played a major part in developing University Centre Oldham, which has allowed the people of Oldham to study university education on their doorstep.”

After nine years in the post, Mr Kilburn is leaving Oldham in October to take up the post of chief executive in the London borough of Waltham Forest.

Born in Leeds, he graduated from Leeds University with a degree in political studies and has an MBA from the Open University.