Many celebrities and authorities in their respective fields often times receive honorary doctorate degrees from different universities and colleges. Sometimes, the honorary doctorate degree does not even come from their own alma mater. While many get honored by their home universities.
This year, an astronaut takes the stage. Astronaut Tim Peake is receiving an honor from the University of Portsmouth. He is going to be awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Science Degree and is awarded by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth himself. This week, on Wednesday, the astronaut beamed as he received his award.
After receiving his award, he also talked about his mission on the International Space Station. He states that he completed the first space walk during his mission. He is the first UK astronaut to do so. He also ran the space equivalent of the London Marathon.
Major Peake, as he is known in his profession, just spent six months on the International Space Station. He successfully returned home, on Earth, in June 2016. According to BBC, receiving this kind of honor from the university is such a huge honor. He recalls during the time he took his higher education about his experiences. He studied Flight Dynamics and Evaluation in the University of Portsmouth. He successfully graduated in 2006. For him, the award is much more special, recalling his first degree from the university a decade ago. For the university, it is the highest honor that they can give, especially to a past student.
He goes on to explain that his ten years of experience shows his age. Major Peake explains that he took his degree at the age of 34 years old. He emphasizes that anyone can still reach for their goals and achieve them even at a later age. In connection with his honorary degree presentation, the university hosted the UK Space Agency Schools Conference. The event was inspired by his mission to the International Space Station. The conference discusses the work of over 1 million UK students. Plus, Major Peake leading a rocket seeds experiment.
