Sarfraz Manzoor – screenwriter, journalist and author – was officially installed as Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire during the first day of its summer graduation ceremonies von 19th July.
Addressing the audience at the afternoon ceremony for the University’s Faculty of Creative Arts, Technology & Science, Manzoor delivered inspirational words of wisdom from his own university experience to Bedfordshire’s Class of 2023.
He said: “Graduation is an important day as it’s a time of passing into the next stage of your life but there will always be some uncertainty. So what I want to do as Chancellor is to give you a few lessons I have learnt over the last few years which I wish someone had told me.
“People believe that your past should never shape your future… We’ve got two lives – one we are given and the other we make. The life you’re given, you may not always be in control of. It may be one where your class, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation may hold you back – but you’re more than that. So don’t forget where you came from but don’t be a prisoner to it. And do what you love!”
His role as Chancellor is an honorary position so although he won’t be involved in day-to-day activities he will act as an ambassador for the University, helping to raise its profile and seek reflective and valuable opportunities for students and the wider community, such as hosting workshops and arranging talks with friends from the creative industry.
