Jonny Clothier’s journey to graduation took an unexpected turn when his housemate’s parrot caused havoc in their flat back in 1983. This incident led to a series of events that culminated in Jonny finally graduating alongside his son, Carter, at the University of Bristol last week.
During his time as an architecture student in the early eighties, Jonny embraced a Bohemian approach to university life, balancing hard work with plenty of fun. However, a dispute over unpaid rent for his accommodation almost derailed his graduation plans. Refusing to pay the outstanding amount, Jonny missed out on graduating with his peers.
Over the years, Jonny married his university sweetheart, Helen Hill, and the couple had three children who also attended the University of Bristol. Carter, their youngest, was preparing to graduate when Jonny received an unexpected offer to finally settle his accommodation bill after 41 years.
The graduation ceremony, which Jonny described as ‘enormous fun,’ was a special moment for the family. He expressed pride in his children’s accomplishments and viewed the long-overdue graduation as a symbolic end to a 20-year journey of supporting their education.
Carter, who excels in lacrosse and recently represented England in Portugal, reflected on the unique experience of graduating alongside his father. He described the day as amazing and the ceremony as beautiful, marking the conclusion of his own successful three years at Bristol.
Since obtaining his degree, Jonny transitioned from architecture to a career in television production and directing. He has now returned to his architectural roots and is working on an innovative net-zero treehouse project in the Forest of Dean.
The University of Bristol’s vice-chancellor, Professor Evelyn Welch, expressed delight in waiving Jonny’s outstanding bill after four decades and congratulated the family on their special day. The Clothier family’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring connections and achievements that can stem from a single unexpected event.
As Jonny and Carter celebrate their joint graduation, they look forward to new beginnings and continued success in their respective endeavors. The journey that began with a mischievous parrot in 1983 has now come full circle, leaving a legacy of resilience, family bonds, and academic achievement for generations to come.
