News

Durham salutes high-ranking graduate

(20 April 2006)

A Durham graduate has become the Royal Navy's first admiral from an ethnic minority and the highest-ranking such officer in the armed forces.

Admiral Amjad Hussain, 47 studied at Durham University between 1976 and 1979 at Collingwood College. He gained a 2.2 degree in engineering science and business management. His tutor during his time at Durham insightfully commented to colleagues shortly after his graduation that “he should go far”. The Principal of Collingwood College, Professor Jane Taylor is writing to Admiral Hussain to pass on her warmest congratulations. Professor Taylor said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear of Admiral Hussain’s promotion to the rank of Admiral.” Admiral Hussain emigrated to England from northern Pakistan in 1962 at the age of three with his mother, to join his father who was working as a railway signalman. He is married with three children and lives in Hertfordshire.