Funktion-One’s founder awarded with Honorary Fellowship

Funktion-One founder, Tony Andrews has received an Honorary Fellowship from the Wrexham Glyndŵr University for his work within the field of professional audio. This was presented during a ceremony that awarded graduates in the fields of art and design, media and communications technology and humanities and computing.

During his acceptance speech, Andrews commented: 'I consider myself fortunate that I have been able to make a living pursuing what intrigues and stimulates me. This is a driving force that, much to my amazement, has persisted for over 50 years. Among the qualities essential for progress and achievement are application and perseverance, which today’s graduating students have amply demonstrated by successfully completing their studies. There is great soul expression in going after the things you are passionate about. Most of the interesting stuff in life happens at frontiers and boundaries, and the status quo is merely a temporary condition on the way to truth.'

Colin Heron, associate dean for the faculty of arts, science and technology, added: 'Our Honorary Fellowships are for people who have made a significant difference in a particular field, and Tony’s work in sound system design and development matches that description. Fellows are also honoured for their support of the work that Wrexham Glyndŵr University does, and throughout the time we have been associated with Tony, he has been a source of advice and guidance for our students, advice which draws upon the decades of experience he has had at the cutting edge of his industry.

'Also important to the university is Tony’s approach to empirical research in the development of his technology. Rather than following current trends, his approach is to question everything, including his own past products, leading to new innovation and world-class products. This is inspirational to our students, who through their own studies are being encouraged to adopt the same approach. It was a delight to be able to welcome Tony back to the university and to see him bestowed with an Honorary Fellowship, an award which he richly deserves.'