University to award honours

In total 10 people will receive honorary degrees from the University during this year’s graduation ceremonies in September at the city’s Grand Theatre.

The recipients reflect the University’s growing reputation in the world of business, science and engineering, health, education and wellbeing, social sciences, sport, music and the arts.

TV personality and business entrepreneur Hilary Devey will receive an honorary degree for her outstanding contribution to business entrepreneurship and a leader in corporate social responsibility.

Kevin Rowland, lead singer of Dexys Midnight Runners, will be recognised for his contribution to popular culture. The Wednesfield-born frontman reformed the band as Dexys last year.

Walsall-based former sprinter Kathy Smallwood-Cook will receive an honorary degree for her impact in sport and for acting as a role model for athletes and contributing to sport education. The former Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medallist’s British 400 metre record lasted 29 years until last week when Christine Ohuruogu won the World Championships in Moscow.

Wolverhampton-based soul singer, Jaki Graham, who was the first black British female solo artist to have six consecutive top 10/20 hits, will be recognised for her outstanding contribution to the international music scene.

Honorary degrees in science will be presented to two leading figures in the NHS. Cheryl Etches OBE, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Professor Ian Cummings OBE, Chief Executive of Health Education England and former CEO of NHS West Midlands will be honoured on Thursday 12 September 2013.

Wolverhampton alumnus, David Downton is to receive recognition for his work internationally in the world of fashion illustration, where has become renowned for his drawings and reports from couture shows across the globe.

President Elect of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Louise Brooke-Smith and Rod Wilkes, former Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, will receive awards in respect of their contributions to their professions.

Rajinder Mann OBE, Chief Executive of the Network for Black Professionals (NBP), will receive an Honorary Degree to acknowledge her 25 years of experience in adult, youth and community education and policy development.

University of Wolverhampton Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “This year we have a wonderful assortment of people receiving honorary degrees in acknowledgment of their impact and involvement within a range of diverse sectors.

“The calibre of people receiving the honorary awards will no doubt motivate and enthuse our graduating students as they take their first steps in their career.”

The University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremonies will take place at the Grand Theatre from Thursday 5 September to Friday 13 September 2013.

The full list of honorary recipients and their awards is below:

School of Art and Design - Thursday 5 September 2013

David Downton - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Design in recognition of his outstanding international contribution in the field of illustration and in particular fashion illustration.

School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications - Friday 6 September 2013

Rajinder Mann OBE - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science in recognition of her significant contribution to equality and diversity and social justice in the region.

School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure - Monday 9 September 2013

Kathy Smallwood- Cook - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. In recognition of her outstanding contribution in sport and in particular as a role model for athletes and contribution to sport education.

Jaki Graham - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music. In recognition of her outstanding international contribution to music, especially to R&B, Soul and Dance music

School of Technology - Tuesday 10 September 2013

Louise Brooke-Smith - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology. In recognition of her significant national contribution to the Chartered Surveying profession.

University of Wolverhampton Business School - Wednesday 11 September 2013

Hilary Devey - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration. In recognition of her outstanding business entrepreneurship and as a leader in corporate social responsibility.

Rod Wilkes - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration. In recognition of his regional and national contribution to the marketing profession and, in particular, the outstanding contribution to education for marketing students and professionals.

School of Health and Wellbeing - Thursday 12 September 2013

Cheryl Etches OBE - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science. In recognition of her significant and innovative contributions to health care education.

Prof Ian Cumming OBE - Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science. In recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of health education and the strategic and operational management of healthcare services.

Kevin Rowland – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. In recognition for his outstanding contribution to popular culture.

ENDS

For media inquiries please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003

Date Issued: Monday 19 August 2013