A solicitor who gave 14 years of service to a major regional college group has been presented with a fellowship by the institution.
Peter Manford has been named a fellow of Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) – the higher education arm of college group WCG.
Peter spent 14 years on the board of governors for the college group and was Chair of the board for the final five of those years.
He extended his term as Chair in order to help the college navigate the challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic.
The fellowship was awarded in a ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Warwick, which saw students graduating from across the group.
WCUC includes Royal Leamington Spa College, Warwick Trident College, Moreton Morrell College, Rugby College, Pershore College and Evesham College.
Peter, corporate and commercial partner at Aaron & Partners, has for many years advised clients nationally and internationally on commercial issues and arrangements.
He also has considerable experience advising clients in the education sector, and used that experience to positively benefit WCG during his time as Chair.
Peter became a governor in 2008 and was on the board of governors until July 2022.
He said: “I first became involved with the college when the firm I was working at informed me the college was seeking a legal governor. I thought that it would be an interesting thing to do – and I was right.
“I have enjoyed my time with the college greatly. People become governors of colleges because they think they want to give something back, which is true and maybe I have, but it has been a very beneficial personal experience as well.
“It has been a great experience and I’ve worked with great people. I am delighted to become a fellow. I’m very proud and pleased that it will mean that I will have some continuing connection with the college group.
“I’m looking forward to helping the college with more when opportunities arise.”
Angela Joyce, CEO of WCUC, said: “Peter has been an integral part of the success of our college group over the last 14 years and the best possible way we could recognise his commitment was through awarding a fellowship.
“Our governors bring a wealth of experience to the college group and Peter’s knowledge has brought significant benefits to the group during his time as governor.
“The title of fellow is the highest accolade we can award as a college group and university centre. The title recognises contributions made to the college over an extended period of time, and there isn’t a more befitting recipient than Peter.”
WCG and WCUC are seeking new governors to help support the future of the organisation.
