Graduates celebrate their achievements at awards ceremonies

Over 4,300 new graduates, their proud parents and friends have been invited to celebrate academic success in St Albans next month when the annual Awards ceremony for the University of Hertfordshire takes place at the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban.

 

At this time, the University will also show its appreciation to sixteen pillars of the community by awarding Honorary Degrees and Fellowships for outstanding contribution to academic disciplines, charity, professions or public service - presented by Lord Salisbury, Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, Mrs Jo Connell, Pro Chancellor of the University; Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Wilson and Deputy Vice Chancellors Terry Neville and Graham Galbraith.

“These ceremonies are the ultimate recognition that the University can award its students following all their hard work. Says Philip Waters, Secretary and Registrar at the University of Hertfordshire who leads the academic procession at the ceremonies. “This year our honorary awards are recognising one of the UK’s most respected business leaders Sir Terry Leahy, CEO of Tesco PLC and some of the county’s great and good.

Honorary Awards and Fellowships will be awarded to:

Sir Terry Leahy the CEO of Tesco PLC, for his exceptional achievements as one of Britain’s most successful business leaders.                                                                                Mr

Phillip Friend OBE, the founder of Phil & Friends and chairman of RADAR. A hugely influential figure in both the voluntary sector and business world on disability and diversity issues.                                                                                                                    

Professor Peter Noyce CBE, in recognition of the support he gives to the University and for his outstanding contribution to science teaching and practice of pharmacy.                                               

Mr Peter Farmer, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the University’s Board of Governors.                           

Professor Neil Buxton, the University’s first Vice-Chancellor. It is to his credit that the University was able to expand and diversify while maintaining teaching quality and research standing.               

Lord Dholakia OBE, Role model and ambassador for advancing community relations and social policy in the UK and abroad.                                                                             

MrsMaggie Jackson, Director of Coaching for the Mavericks, the Superleague netball club. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to coach education and development.

Professor Keith Wilson was the former Director of Research at the University. In recognition of his loyalty and commitment over nearly forty years, and his sustained contribution to the development of research at the University.

Mrs Karin Hale for showing great dedication to the University’s developments and activity in the voluntary sector over many years.  

Mr Jonathan Steele, an outstanding journalist covering foreign affairs for The Guardian for four decades. In recognition of his remarkable contribution as a foreign correspondent. 

Mrs Jean Pickering, currently works to provide promising young talent in the local community the support they need to reach their potential. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to sport in the county of Hertfordshire. 

Ms Gemma Metheringham, the creative driving force behind the Karen Millen designer label. For her outstanding contribution to the creative industries and support for the fashion designers of the future.                                                                                             

Dr Edward Eastwood, is curator of the Clinton-Baker Pinetum at Bayfordbury Park. To honour his outstanding vision and commitment to Hertfordshire’s cultural heritage.

Ms Caroline Tapster, (1995 – 2000) the Chief Executive of Hertfordshire County Council. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to local government over the past thirty years.

Mr Andrew Watkinson, an accomplished musician and highly-respected specialist in the field of baroque music. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music.                  

Andrés Duany, an award-winning architect and urban planner. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to new urbanism and his work for the Hertfordshire community.

Philip Waters adds, “for the University this is always a special time of year. People travel to St Albans from all over the world to take part in this celebration of academic success. To minimise the impact of the extra traffic, we encourage our visitors to use public transport and are running a shuttle bus service for them from Westminster Lodge car parks, which we use as a park and ride for those who travel by car.”

The ceremonies begin on Tuesday 17 November and finish on Friday 20 November.