Addressing the audience – which included his wife and two children – 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: “Looking back, my graduation day was one of the best days. 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.

“Firstly, 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!”

He continued: “Secondly, make friends with people who are different from you. We live in a world of great division, in bubbles surrounded by people who think and look like us. And finally, don’t be scared of failure – anyone worried about the future is normal!”

He finished: “Looking at you all, you’re all so young – I literally have t-shirts older than you! – but the thing is, it passes and you’re not always going to have the freedom and opportunities, so make the most of everything, and good luck for the future.”

Following the ceremony, Manzoor joined staff in congratulating graduates during the exit parade, before enjoying refreshments and chatting to attendees in the picturesque grounds of the Putteridge Bury campus.

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. He hopes that in this role he will also be able to inspire students from minority backgrounds – or those who would be the first in their family to go to university ­­– and encourage them to shape their path through education.

Manzoor, who moved to Luton from Pakistan in the 1970s and set his memoir ‘Greetings From Bury Park’ in the town, was chosen for this important role with the University, due to his influence, inspirational career journey and his roots and connection to the Bedfordshire town.

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “We are thrilled to have Sarfraz join the University as Chancellor. His passion for learning and his remarkable career are things we hope our students can take inspiration from during their studies here at Bedfordshire. We are looking forward to working with him and we’re sure his role will create a real impact with our student body and local communities.”

This partnership with Manzoor will also tap in to the University’s Civic Agreement with Luton Council which aims to help transform the town and support local people, including current and future students.