A FORMER President of Mexico has recalled how important a role his time in Bradford has played in his life.

Ernesto Zedillo, president of his homeland from 1994 to 2000, attended a 12-week course at the University of Bradford in 1973.

The 71-year-old will return to the city in July - 50 years on - to receive an honorary doctorate of letters, in recognition of his achievements on the world stage, as part of this year's Summer Graduations.

“It was at Bradford where I acquired a sense of belonging to a world beyond the borders of my beloved Mexico," Mr Zedillo said.

"I had never been abroad and there I was at the University of Bradford meeting and enjoying fellows from many countries.

"Frankly I had never met people from places like Ghana, Nigeria, Nepal, Philippines, Yugoslavia and many others.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ernesto Zedillo (back row, fifth from the left) pictured outside the University of Bradford's 'Project Planning Centre' in 1973Ernesto Zedillo (back row, fifth from the left) pictured outside the University of Bradford's 'Project Planning Centre' in 1973 (Image: University of Bradford)

"Being part of that fascinating group, started my formation as the Mexican global citizen of the world that proudly I am today.”

He says being elected President of Mexico was accidental since only a tragedy - the assassination of his dear friend Luis Donaldo Colosio while campaigning for the presidency - made it imperative to take his place as the candidate of their party.

Mr Zedillo, currently a Yale professor and member of ‘The Elders’, added: “At every step of my education I was blessed to encounter teachers who were exemplary, and my brief time at Bradford wasn’t an exception.

"My instructors had a keen interest in the problems of developing countries which I embraced and have kept ever since.

"For example, I remember Professor Mike Veitch’s passion for economic development which he transmitted in his lectures on project evaluation.

"Professor Veitch remained a significant influence in my professional career."

Mr Zedillo earned his bachelor's degree from the School of Economics of the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico and his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees at Yale University. 

After finishing his undergraduate studies and thanks to a scholarship granted by the British Council, he attended the University of Bradford in the summer of 1973 to study project evaluation, an opportunity that firmly encouraged and supported his pursuit of graduate studies.

Commenting on his time in Bradford, he added: “It was an extremely rich and enjoyable experience that would mark me for the rest of my life.

"Yorkshire people were extremely friendly and very welcoming, and I have enormous gratitude for the opportunity I was given.”