Carmarthen-born Alun Walters served as Treasurer for the University between 1993 and 2007, and over the years worked with three Vice-Chancellors and three Chairs of Council.

He is recognised as being instrumental in sustaining the University's fortunes through one of its most challenging periods, in what is often seen as the least thankful role.

Mr Walters attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Carmarthen before reading History at University College London.

He worked for a marketing company organising sales campaigns for a variety of well known consumer product manufacturers, before training in accountancy and joining international firm Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co – now known as KPMG – in their London office in 1967.

In 1980, Mr Walters took up post as manager in KPMG's Cardiff office before moving to the Swansea office, where he later became a partner.  

In the early 1990s, KPMG's Swansea office closed and Mr Walters, who lives in Gower in the historic Llanddewi Castle, set up his own practice, and has since worked as a sole practitioner. 

He took up the role of Treasurer of what was then University College of Swansea in 1993 and when appointed, Mr Walters became the tenth person to hold the office of Treasurer of the University. When he stepped down in 2007, he had become the third longest serving Treasurer in the University’s 88-year history. 

He successfully managed the financial affairs of the University during a time of significant change for higher education and a period of almost continual financial constraint.

Following his role as Treasurer, he was appointed Vice-President of Swansea University from 2003 until September 2007, until the cessation of the post on the re-organisation of Swansea University's Constitution. 

After receiving the award during the degree ceremony for the School of Business and Economics, Mr Walters said: "The list of Swansea University Honorary Fellows is a sparkling one and I feel humbled to receive a Fellowship today.

"All I have really done is carried out governance issues on the University's behalf and having had so much pleasure out of participating in University life over the years, receiving a Fellowship at the end of it, while a considerable honour, is not something I feel I merit."

Swansea University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies, said: "It gives me great pleasure that a Fellowship award has been conferred today upon Alun Walters.

"Special gratitude is due to Alun for his contribution to the welfare of Swansea University during a critical period of financial upheaval and momentous changes in higher education. It is testament to his foresight, prudence, and judgement that the University has been able to maintain an ambitious development strategy through these challenging times. 

"Alun's appointment as Vice-President of Swansea University was further evidence of his standing within the University community and I am delighted that Alun is today receiving recognition for his devoted service."

For more information about Swansea University Graduation Week and this year's Honorary Fellows, click here.