The University of Buckingham honours MK Dons Owner

22 March 2017

Pete WinkelmanMr Pete Winkelman was awarded an honorary degree from The University of Buckingham Business School at the 2017 graduation.

On accepting his degree Pete Winkelman said: “What an absolute honour for me to be here today. The University of Buckingham is a bit special and I’m delighted to be honoured.”

Pete Winkelman moved to Milton Keynes in 1993 and established Great Linford Manor as one of Europe’s leading residential recording studios following a successful and varied career in the music industry in London.

Later, inspired by the footballing exploits of his son Bobby, Pete worked tirelessly with the public and private sectors to deliver the 30-year ambition to host professional league football and develop a landmark multi-purpose sports and spectators events complex. The resulting Stadium MK is now the new home of MK Dons FC, of which Pete is Chairman.

Phase 1 of Stadium MK was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2007. The 30,500 capacity stadium played a key role in the 40th birthday celebrations with an Olympic-style opening ceremony performed by Milton Keynes schoolchildren.

The Stadium MK was finally completed in 2014, as was the Arena MK a new space for exhibitions and concerts.

In 2015 the Rugby World Cup came to Milton Keynes with Stadium MK hosting three record-breaking attendances.

The iconic facility has brought huge inward investment together with new employment opportunities. The Club’s charity, the MK Dons Sports & Education Trust, engages with over 50,000 Milton Keynes citizens every year.

In November 2015, Milton Keynes Council awarded Pete the Council’s highest ceremonial honour, the Freedom of the Borough of Milton Keynes.

In his inspiring acceptance speech Pete addressed the Business School graduands saying: “My advice to you is to choose a job you can enjoy. It’s very much easier to work hard when you enjoy what you do. If you can go out and give people positivity it will make you a better leader and you will be the leaders of tomorrow.”