Honorary degree for key University supporter – University of Reading
09 December 2003
Berkshire dignitary Mr William Palmer will be awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) at the University of Reading's graduation ceremonies on Saturday 13 December. Mr Palmer has been a key supporter of the University for many years and was a member of the University Council for 19 years, Treasurer from 1982 until 1995 and Vice-President from then until 1998. He will join approximately 900 students at the University's Great Hall for the Degree Congregations, which are held for 'the official conferment of degrees and the presentation of diplomas and certificates for students that have recently completed their studies'. Six ceremonies take place throughout the day and the majority of the students have taken postgraduate courses – ranging from Death and Society to Wildlife Management and Conservation. The Palmer family, co-founders of the town's famed biscuit-making company, have had associations with the University since its beginnings in 1892 and have been supporting education in Reading since the middle of the 19th century. After the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Privy Council under Prince Albert's guidance decided to finance classes for residents in various provincial towns, including Reading. Huntley and Palmers biscuit-makers, who came into being in London Street in 1841, became involved with Reading's Schools of Science and Art almost from their establishment in 1860. When the Schools were joined to the Reading University Extension College in 1892, the support of the Palmers continued and has done so without a break. Mr Palmer formally opened the newly refurbished Palmer Building on the Whiteknights campus on 4 December. end For further information or to arrange an interview with Mr William Palmer, please contact: Craig Hillsley, Press Officer, University of Reading. Tel: 0118 378 8005 Fax: 0118 378 8924 E-mail: c.hillsley@reading.ac.uk