Wolverhampton selects sports presenters, a Wimbledon champion and a BAFTA award winner for honorary degrees
TWO leading sports presenters, a Wimbledon champion and a BAFTA award winner are among those who selected to receive honorary awards from the University of Wolverhampton this year.
In total, 14 people will receive honorary awards this September in recognition of their significant contribution to their field of expertise.
TV star – and the city’s own – Suzi Perry will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering in recognition of her broadcasting career, together with her passion for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and her work encouraging the next generation of budding entrepreneurs.
Ms Perry, who’s a former University of Wolverhampton graduate, currently covers MotoGP for BT Sport, and is well known for covering MotoGP for the BBC for 13 years as well as her work on The Gadget Show on Channel 5 and the BBC’s Formula One coverage from 2013 to 2015.
Wolverhampton-born Jacqui Oatley, the first female presenter of Match of the Day and Director of Women in Football, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters. The award recognises her contribution to sports broadcasting, and in particular championing opportunities for women.
In recognition for her exceptional achievements in wheelchair tennis, Jordanne Whiley, from Halesowen, will be presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. The 24-year-old is reigning Wimbledon and French Open Women’s Wheelchair Doubles Champion and a London 2012 Paralympics bronze medalIist. She will be attending the ceremony fresh from the Rio 2016 Paralympics.
University of Wolverhampton graduate Peter Bebb, who won a BAFTA for Best Visual Effects for the film Inception, will add an Honorary Doctor of Arts to his accolades.
Co-founder of Touretteshero, Jessica Thom, is a writer, media commentator, stand-up comedienne and charity worker. She will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of her contribution to raising awareness of Tourette’s.
Other recipients include operations director of Jaguar Land Rover Trevor Leeks and consultant for Marston’s Brewery Philip Barnett, who will both receive Honorary Fellowships.
Also set to be honoured for his contribution to the musical heritage of the Black Country is Peter Morris, Director of Music at St Peter’s Collegiate Church in Wolverhampton.
Dame Colette Bowe, Chair of the ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters and founder and director of Maverick TV Jonnie Turpie will be presented with an Honorary Doctor of Arts.
Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, Shirley Cramer, will be recognised for her extensive contribution to health care.
Graham Wynn, chair of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership board, will be awarded for his contribution to the economic regeneration of Shropshire and the surrounding areas through support for local businesses.
Two figures with close links to the university will also be honoured. Jean-Roch Guiresse, former Director of ESTIA (Ecole Superieure Des Technologies Industrielles Avancees) in France, which runs courses in partnership with Wolverhampton, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Engineering.
Meanwhile Paul Lister, former head of the university’s School of Engineering, will be presented with an Honorary Fellowship.
Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor, said: “The university awards Honorary Degrees to high-profile figures that make a significant contribution to their field of expertise. These figureheads provide inspiration for our students, graduates and staff.
“Each year the University of Wolverhampton is proud to recognise the achievements of various people across a broad range of specialisms, many of whom have local connections with the university.”
The University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremonies will take place at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Saturday September 17 to Friday September 23.
