Aston University’s Chancellor celebrates father’s lifelong dream of achieving an MBA

• Aston University’s Chancellor, Dr. Jason Wouhra OBE recognised the achievements of his father during the summer graduation ceremony
• Jasbir Wouhra celebrated his lifelong dream of earning an MBA
• Around 4,000 students celebrated achievements at Aston this year.

In a moment filled with pride, Aston University’s Chancellor, Dr. Jason Wouhra OBE recognised the achievements of his father, Jasbir Wouhra, during the university’s summer graduation ceremony. Jasbir walked onto stage to celebrate his lifelong dream of earning an MBA following two years of dedicated study.

The moment of recognition was part of Aston’s summer graduation, during which around 4,000 students of many different nationalities, celebrated their achievements across 18 ceremonies held over six days.

While many graduates are about to embark on fresh careers or new businesses, Jasbir’s decades as a passionate entrepreneur and co-founder of East End Foods brought unique insights into his studies. He played a pivotal role in transforming the business from a small operation selling pulses and rice to one of the UK’s largest Asian food companies.

Jasbir always harboured a desire to study but postponed it for decades so he could continue building the family’s successful business. His decision to pursue an MBA reflected his enduring commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.

This achievement is even more remarkable given Jasbir’s determination to recover from a recent health setback, ensuring he was fit to walk on stage and stand alongside his son to celebrate the culmination of all his work.

Dr. Jason Wouhra, who worked alongside his father at East End Foods before establishing his own thriving enterprise, Lioncroft Wholesale, expressed his admiration for his father’s perseverance: “It’s an incredible honour to recognise my father’s achievement and celebrate all the successes of students across Aston University this year. Many people have a dream and my father’s story shows the impact of determination and resilience when it comes to making it happen, as well as the value of education at any stage in life. What makes this even more special is that this is the only time a son, as University Chancellor, has conferred a degree to his father at Aston.”

Dr. Wouhra, who became Aston’s youngest and first Chancellor of Asian heritage in 2024, has a deep connection to the university. He has been a strong advocate for education and entrepreneurship, values that align with Aston’s mission to create a student experience that is inclusive, innovative and transformational.

Jasbir Wouhra said: “Achieving this MBA from Aston University after having spent 50 years building a business is an incredible milestone for me. Having stepped aside from a formal education all those years ago, my Aston University MBA gave me a great opportunity to formalise my business experience.”

The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and members of the Aston University community, celebrating not only Jasbir’s academic achievement but also the enduring legacy of the Wouhra family in business and education.