Honorary Degree for Steve Williams
We award honorary degrees to people who have accomplished outstanding achievements and have set an example worthy as a role model to students. Today I am delighted to welcome back to Oxford Brookes, a sportsman who has reached the very top of his profession to receive an Honorary Degree.
Steve Williams is a graduate of this University and in 2004 became an Olympic rowing Champion in one of the most dramatic races ever seen.
Oxford Brookes looks to recognise those whose achievements mark them out as a role model for our newest generation of students.
His success in the prestigious but demanding world of rowing makes Steve Williams an admirable example for all of you aspiring to succeed in your chosen field.
Steve studied History and Town Planning here as an undergraduate and stayed on to study for an Msc in International Management as a part-funded sports scholar, sponsored by our Business School.
As part of the University's very successful Boat Club, he won the Temple Challenge Cup and the Visitors Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta. He was Oxford Brookes Sport Rower of the Year in 1997 and Oxford Brookes Sportsman of the Year two years later.
He was first selected for the Great Britain National team in 1998, taking part in the World Championships of that year and winning a gold in the World University Championships. Further international successes followed and six years on, Steve overcame tough competition to win a place in the coxless four crew representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Athens.
The race ranks as one of the highlights of a memorable Games with the team of Pinsent, Cracknell, Coode and Williams beating world champions Canada in a photo finish - by just eight hundredths of a second - to win gold. Reflecting on that success in a way that is typical of his determination, Steve said 'Even moments after winning the final I had regrets about how I personally and we as a team could have performed better'.
He continued to push himself through training and competition, won further World Cup and Championship medals and was awarded the MBE for services to sport. Those of you who compete at the top level in sport know how much commitment it takes: the early starts, the punishing fitness regimes - and yes the occasional social opportunity passed up!
For Oxford Brookes, Steve Williams has played an inspirational part in building the reputation of the University as a centre of excellence for rowing. The club is now unquestionably among the best in the country and is established as a proven winner and Steve Williams is now one of a number of current and alumni World and Olympic champions we are very proud of.
His achievements will continue to inspire Oxford Brookes rowers for many years to come. His modest approach to life and sport is an example to us all.
Today we invite him to accept an Honorary Doctorate from Oxford Brookes University in recognition of those achievements.
I would now like to invite Steve Williams to come forward to receive his award.
Dr. David Langford, Dean of Westminster Institute of Education 9.11.2006 - Re-printed with permission