‘The OU gives you the tools to embrace who you are, and how you connect with the world’

Posted on 25 November 2024 • Arts, Honorary Graduate, Student stories

When celebrated historian and Arts and Humanities graduate Michael, 72, received an invitation from The Open University (OU) to become an honorary graduate, he was so stunned he thought it was a prank!

Now a proud Doctor of the University he regards as one of the “greatest British institutions”, Michael describes what the OU means to him and shares his advice for the next cohort of students chasing their academic dreams.

From hobby to degree

After retiring from a successful career in the mobile communications sector, Michael became fascinated by Renaissance art. Both curious and scientific by nature, Michael embarked on a journey of discovery, leading him on the path to an influential new career.

“My first degree was in physics, so instinctively I was looking for the facts behind the art,” remembers Michael. “I wanted to know what was happening socially, politically and what the artist meant to represent.”

Looking to formalise his knowledge of the art he so admired; Michael came across the OU in a box – designed as a taster of OU study at the time, containing written resources, cassettes and an assignment to complete.

“Having originally studied science and worked in technology for so long, I hadn’t written an essay since my ‘O’ levels,” says Michael. “I remember opening the box and finding these incredible images along with music you were asked to match with them, it was captivating.”

By this point, Michael was hooked and signed up for an OU degree, choosing modules on art history, music and Renaissance art.

“I loved every bit of it, the teaching was always just brilliant,” Michael says. “The highlight for me was Enlightenment to Romanticism – I think everyone should study that module – it explains who we are today.”

Carving a new path

Fast-forward twenty years, Michael is revered in his field and has become a leading expert on depictions of Black African people in the art of Renaissance Europe.

“The OU is such an important part of my intellectual life, it’s given me the opportunity to see the world in a different light and share that with others,” Michael reflects.

“The OU gives you the tools to embrace who you are and how you connect with the world.”

A prolific blogger, speaker and co-author of a forthcoming book on Black history in London, Michael thinks of his work in terms of “keeping it real”.

“I don’t consider myself an academic author – my practise is all about making real connections between what was happening then and how it all relates to what we do today.”

Inspiring future generations

Growing up in a loving home, Michael always felt secure and fully supported. Concerned for the growing number of young people who can’t say the same; Michael is passionate about his work as a role model on the Black Training and Enterprise Group’s Routes to Success Programme, which aims to raise the aspirations of young Black males and encourage them to be the best they can be.

“I love working on this programme,” says Michael. “It isn’t about bringing in highflyers or anything like that, just regular people living their life who can support young men to develop their own opinions and feelings of self-worth.”

Michael adds, “I can see how much pressure young people are under these days, they have different challenges and there’s a lot to deal with.”

Finding joy in social connection is deep-rooted within Michael’s character. That was clear to see when he collected his prestigious award, addressing swathes of OU graduates at The Barbican last summer.

“I can’t tell you what an honour it was to be on that stage, not just celebrating my own award, but the achievements of everyone graduating that day,” Michael explains.

“I knew the journey they’d been on and wanted to congratulate them for staying the course – the hard miles to TMA deadlines and making it happen with everything else they’ve got going in in their lives. It was electric.”

With a nod to friends and loved ones, Michael took a moment to soak up the feeling of pride in the room.

“I loved seeing parents, children, partners getting involved – your accomplishments are something to be shared with the people around you, the ones who helped you along the way,” says Michael. “When I was making my speech, I saw my son in the crowd giving me a big thumbs up, it was really special.”

Advice to others

Thinking about new cohorts of OU students and the experiences they’re about to have, Michael has these top tips:

“Make your studies personal to you – I was obsessed by the Black Magus, that was my connection. Find that thing, take it as yours and become the anorak about it.”

“Embrace technology and find out how it can work for you – just make sure you keep questioning and challenging it.”

“Look after your both your mind and your body – take regular exercise if you’re able. I have my best ideas when I’m running and all that blood is rushing to my brain, it makes me alert and helps clear blocks in my head.”

 

Michael is a Director for The John Blanke Project and a fellow of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies. Follow Michael on LinkedIn to find out more about his work.