University puts its Leading Lights in the spotlight

Distinguished figures from the worlds of human rights, law, education and business will take centre stage for an exciting new series of public lectures at the University of Wolverhampton.

The Leading Lights Lectures 2012 will feature a number of the University’s outstanding honorary graduates.

For many years the University has recognised high achievers across a spectrum of fields by awarding them with honorary degrees.

Now, for the first time, four honorary graduates will return to deliver a series of thought-provoking lectures on a variety of topical themes.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor, University of Wolverhampton, said: “Our honorary graduates are a highly-impressive and deeply respected group of individuals who play a significant role within the University family, offering an unparalleled breadth of talent, skills and experience.

“This inaugural series brings together five luminaries with an exceptional array of knowledge and expertise between them.

“Owing to the calibre of the speakers, we expect The Leading Lights Lectures to become one of the highlights of the University’s events calendar.”

Mary Curnock Cook, Chief Executive, UCAS, will open the series on April 24, offering a unique insight into the world of university admissions and exploring some of the tensions between the needs of applicants and those of universities.

Leading entrepreneur Tom Ilube, who founded the world’s largest online bank, Egg, will examine the rising threat of cybercrime and the dangers it poses to us all.

Jean Irvine, an equality and human rights commissioner will turn the spotlight on opportunities for women in the workplace and to what extent barriers still inhibit their promotion and advancement.

Mark Palmer was the marketing mastermind behind Green and Black’s organic chocolate, who took it from a niche product to a global, luxury brand. Today, Mark runs his own marketing consultancy whilst retaining his interest in Green and Black’s as a non-executive director. In his lecture he will highlight the extraordinary power that marketing exercises on all our lives, shaping our behaviour and buying habits.

Leading Lights Lectures 2012 Programme

Mary Curnock Cook, Chief Executive, UCAS
Admissions Policy: Autonomy and Access
24 April, 2012

Tom Ilube, entrepreneur and founder of Egg
Attack of the Cybermen: the Rising Threat of Unchecked Computer Crime
17 May, 2012

Jean Irvine, commissioner with Equality and Human Rights Commission
Sex and Power: The Impact of Glass Ceilings on Women in the Workplace
14 June, 2012

Mark Palmer, marketing consultant and non-executive director with Green and Black’s
The Global Power of Marketing to Drive Changes in Behaviour and Buying Habits
25 September, 2012

All lectures take place at either the University’s city campus or Wolverhampton Science Park. Admission is free but places are limited. All attendees must book their place by visiting www.wlv.ac.uk/leadinglights where full details are available.