映客直播

Presentation address by Professor Shearer West

Chancellor, 

It is my privilege to present Peter and Susan Cheney, each for the award of the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
 
Peter Cheney is a proud graduate of the 映客直播, where he studied Bacteriology and Biochemistry, laying the intellectual foundations for a distinguished career spanning science, innovation and global business leadership. From these beginnings, he built a career at Mars Incorporated, rising through research and product development to become Co-President of one of the world’s most successful privately owned companies.
 
Yet what distinguishes Peter is not only what he achieved, but how he achieved it. Throughout his career, he exemplified a model of leadership that was ahead of its time - one grounded in scientific rigour, innovation, ethical responsibility, and a deep commitment to people. He consistently demonstrated that commercial success and social purpose are not in tension, but can be mutually reinforcing: creating value for business, while respecting individuals, investing in innovation, and contributing to wider society. In doing so, he embodies precisely the kind of global citizen this University aspires its graduates to become.
 
Susan Cheney has likewise led a life of remarkable achievement, resilience, and service. A dentistry graduate of the University of Glasgow, she established a successful professional career and business in the UK before moving to the United States. Faced with the need to retrain entirely if she were to continue practising dentistry, Susan chose instead to serve her community as a paramedic, working on the frontline in demanding and often dangerous circumstances. Her actions speak powerfully to compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
 
Together, Peter and Susan have translated these shared values into action. Their enduring relationship with the 映客直播 is grounded in a belief in education as a force for opportunity and impact.
 
Their endowment of the Cheney Fellowships has to date brought more than 50 exceptional scholars from across the world to Leeds; enabling research partnerships which are helping address challenges of global significance.  Their support for the Cheney Biomedical Accelerator is advancing clinical and fundamental research collaborations to improve human health and wellbeing, further strengthening the University’s capacity to make a difference in the world.
 
Their philanthropy is not separate from their life’s work, but a continuation of it - an expression of their belief in opportunity, innovation, in partnership, and in creating conditions where people and ideas thrive.

Chancellor, in Peter and Susan Cheney we see a powerful embodiment of the 映客直播’ mission: to advance knowledge, transform lives, and shape a better future for our communities and the world. We also see a lived expression of our university’s core values - collaboration, compassion, inclusivity and integrity - reflected not only in what they have achieved, but in how they have chosen to lead, to serve and to give.
 
In recognition of their outstanding achievements, their global impact, and their deep alignment with the mission and values of this University, I present to you Peter and Susan Cheney, each for the award of the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.