Inspirational people to be honoured

Twelve people will receive awards in recognition of their significant achievements and contribution to their field of expertise during this September’s graduation ceremonies.

Wolverhampton-raised Denise Lewis, who won gold in the heptathlon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is currently a BBC sports presenter, will be presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters.

Dame Sarah Storey is the most decorated British Paralympian, having won 11 gold medals in swimming and road and track cycling. She will also receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters at a ceremony at the city’s Grand Theatre.

An Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts will be awarded to Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, who was appointed 16^th Director General of the BBC in 2012.

Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, a geneticist best known for his pioneering work on human DNA variation and DNA fingerprinting, will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.

Also set to be honoured are former World Karate champion Geoff Thompson and John H Hughes, Chairman of the Black Country Living Museum.

Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, Susan Daniels, and Artistic Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet David Bintley will also receive honorary degrees.

Honours will go to Elizabeth Hughes, Medical Postgraduate Dean at NHS West Midlands, Wolverhampton graduate and Chair of Rupantaran, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives in Nepal, Vijay Shrestha.

Business people Russell Bromley, KTP Advisor North and West Midlands and Ian Aspley, Chief Executive of Proskills UK, will receive Honorary Fellowships.

The awards will be presented at the University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremonies at the Grand Theatre from Thursday 4 September to Friday, 12 September 2014.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Layer said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming such a varied and accomplished group of honorary award recipients to our graduation ceremonies this year.

“Our honorary award winners really reflect the philosophy of the University to widen access and diversity and to give opportunities to all that study here.

“They will join the thousands of students collecting their own awards after years of hard work and dedication, and provide inspiration for our graduates as they take the next steps in their careers.”

Full list of award winners, honours and the University faculty/department that nominated them

Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre – Thursday, 4 September

Ian Aspley - Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his impressive record in business and his support to the Business School through mentoring, guest lectures and workshops.

Faculty of Social Sciences – Thursday, 4 September

John H Hughes – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his impressive record in the field of finance and accounting, and as Chair of the Black Country Living Museum.

 Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre – Friday, 5 September

Russell Bromley – Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his invaluable support and commitment to supporting KTP programmes at all stages.  

Faculty of Social Sciences – Friday, 5 September

Susan Daniels – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of her dedicated service to the National Deaf Children’s Society.

Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing – Monday, 8 September

Denise Lewis – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of her outstanding record in the field of sport and charity work.

Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing - Tuesday, 9 September

Elizabeth Hughes – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of her significant contribution to the medical industry.

Faculty of Arts - Wednesday, 10 September

David Bintley – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of his impressive record in the field of dance.

Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing - Thursday, 11 September

Dame Sarah Storey – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of her outstanding contribution to sport and sport education, and as a role model for athletes.

Faculty of Science and Engineering – Thursday, 11 September

Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding scholarship in molecular biology; the development of DNA profiling and significant contribution to widening participation in sciences.

Faculty of Social Sciences – Thursday, 11 September

Vijay Shrestha – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science in recognition of his dedicated contribution to the development of Nepal over a number of years. 

Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing - Friday, 12 September

Geoff Thompson – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his impressive record in the field of sport and in particular his innovative approach to sport and other cultural activities.

Faculty of Arts – Friday, 12 September

Lord Hall (Tony Hall) – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts in recognition of his significant record of work in television, journalism, music and the arts.

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on
01902 322003.

Date Issued: Wednesday 13 August 2014