University honours comedian for historic role
A comedian, a Paralympic gold medallist and leading figures from the business world are among those set to receive honorary degrees from the University of Wolverhampton.
The university traditionally awards honorary degrees to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.
This year, 11 will be presented during September’s graduation ceremonies.
They include comedian, historian and would-be MP, Al Murray, famous for his alter ego, the Pub Landlord. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Social Science in recognition of his contribution towards military history, which is a major research strength of the university, and his passion in raising the subject’s profile to the younger demographic.
Chris Holmes, now Lord Holmes of Richmond, is a former Paralympic swimmer who won nine gold, five silver and one bronze medal across four Games, including a record haul of six golds at Barcelona 1992. He will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters.
An honorary Doctor of Business Administration will be presented to local businessman Henry Carver, managing director of Carvers Builders Merchants and President of Wolverhampton Business Forum.
Director and filmmaker Michael Cumming, who worked on the ground-breaking and controversial TV series Brass Eye, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts. Cumming is a graduate of the University of Wolverhampton and has worked with leading comedy figures including Chris Morris, Matt Berry, Jo Brand, Rory Bremner, Sir Lenny Henry, Matt Lucas and David Walliams.
Rebecca Bryant, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is the first woman CFO to have progressed through the fire service’s ranks in the UK. She will receive an honorary Doctor of Professional Practice in recognition of her career and the positive role model she represents.
Also set to be recognised is Diversity Consultant for ITV News, Vidar Hjardeng MBE, and former Regional Director for the West Midlands region for the Institute of Directors, John Phillips MBE.
Dame Colette Bowe, chairman of the Banking Standards Board and chairman of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, will receive an honorary Doctor of Business Administration, while environmental scientist Peter N. Churchill will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science.
Former president and chair of Interfaith Wolverhampton, Sehdev Bismal, and independent midwife and founder of Midwifery Conversations, Elsie Gayle, will also be honoured.
Professor Geoff Layer, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “Each year the University of Wolverhampton awards honorary degrees to people who have made a significant contribution to their area of expertise. As people who have achieved notable success in their chosen field, they provide inspiration for our students, graduates and staff.
“We are proud to recognise the achievements of people across a broad range of specialisms, and look forward to welcoming them all to our graduation ceremonies in September.”
The graduation ceremonies will take place at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre between Friday September 15 and Friday September 22, 2017.
