Former Board Chairman receives Honorary Doctorate

Alan was recognised for the large contribution he has made to the life and development of BU, particularly as Chairman of the University Board from 2004 to 2010. A highly experienced former chief executive in the financial services sector with a reputation for successful change management, he also served as Visiting Fellow in the University’s European Centre for Corporate Governance. Since 2010 he has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset, and is currently High Sheriff.

Alan’s professional acumen and success have been nationally recognised through Fellowships of the Institute of Actuaries and the Institute of Management.He is also a past Master of the Worshipful Company of Actuaries and remains an informed critic of the contemporary insurance industry, as he reflects on changes in the financial services sector over the last 40 years.

In presenting Alan to receive his Doctorate, University Orator, Alan Hunt, described “his natural PR gifts, a generous spirit and a genuinely warm personality have made and sustained many friendships.

“He has been a highly effective champion and advocate of BU, raising its profile greatly in Dorset and the region, and supporting the BU Foundation Trust,” Hunt continued. “Now today this University, which he has served so well, is glad to honour him and give him a place for life in the ranks of its graduates.”

Accepting the award, Dr Frost thanked the University his wife and family, and encouraged his fellow graduates to enjoy the ceremonies.

“For those receiving degrees, it’s the high spot of your career so far,” Alan encouraged. “For those who are here with you, your family and friends, it’s also a magnificent occasion and for those who taught you it’s an equally marvellous occasion.

“Today is a day of celebration,” he continued. “Tomorrow you go off and start to improve our world. I wish you lots of luck and I wish you great success and above all I wish you lots of happiness.”

Speaking specifically to the graduating audience, Alan went on to offer his best advice for their futures.

“The first thing is to look after yourselves, maintain your health, achieve a good work-life balance and establish a stable environment at home,” he encouraged. “Secondly, have great respect for your fellow human beings and remember the impact that you have on the people around you.

“And thirdly, the best advice is to grasp opportunities while you have them,” he concluded. “Don’t find yourself in 45 years saying ‘if only’. I look back at you here and I don’t regret what I’ve done in my life. I have very few ‘if onlys’.”