The Honorary Doctorate was presented yesterday (Thursday) to Mr Winkelman for his services to the educationally underprivileged.
The citation, read out at Milton Keynes Theatre, in front of more than 250 new OU graduates, invited guests and business leaders, states how Mr Winkelman “worked tirelessly with the public and private sectors to deliver the city’s 30-year ambition to host professional league football and to develop a landmark multi-purpose sports and spectators events complex.”
He is pictured with Open University Vice-Chancellor Martin Bean after receiving the honorary doctorate.
Mr Winkelman said: “I am delighted and flattered to have been recognised by The Open University for this Honorary Doctorate.
"The Open University is an iconic institution which has made higher education accessible to a whole new audience and allowed people to achieve their dreams. I am honoured to be associated with their fantastic history.”
Mr Bean said: “For many years Pete has been a great friend, not just to The Open University and to Milton Keynes but to hundreds of people who could use a little extra support in their education.
“Like The Open University, the MK Dons Sports & Education Trust is making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and adults right across the region and I was delighted to recognise that by honouring Pete today.”
The Honorary Doctorate was presented by Open University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Scholarship and Quality) Professor Tim Blackman.
Among those in attendance at the ceremony were Milton Keynes MPs Mark Lancaster and Iain Stewart, Milton Keynes Council chief executive David Hill and Dr Philip Smith, chairman of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership.
