A West End superstar, a former member of The Kinks and a film director who co-wrote James Bond movie Spectre are among those receiving honorary degrees and fellowships from Hatfield’s University of Hertfordshire.
![Welwyn Hatfield Times: St Albans Cathedral [Picture: Alan Davies]](/resources/images/15462535.jpg?type=mds-article-620 "Welwyn Hatfield Times: St Albans Cathedral [Picture: Alan Davies]")
Approximately 16,000 students, their family and friends will join university staff in the grand surroundings of St Albans Cathedral for the University of Hertfordshire’s 2017 awards ceremonies.
The university will celebrate its graduation success at St Albans Abbey between Monday, September 4 and Tuesday, September 12.
As well as receiving its graduates, the Hatfield-based university will show its appreciation to pillars of the community by awarding Honorary Degrees and Fellowships for outstanding contribution to academic disciplines, charity, professions or public service.
Among the 2017 recipients are celebrated singer and actress Elaine Paige OBE, who starred in the West End productions of Cats, Evita and Sunset Boulevard, British parasport athlete David Henson MBE, playwright, screenwriter and film director Jeremy ‘Jez’ Butterworth, who had a hand in writing Daniel Craig’s 007 blockbuster Spectre, and Edward Griffiths, the former chief executive of Saracens Rugby Club.
Others to be recognised include St Albans musician Jim Rodford, who was a member of The Kinks and has also played with The Zombies and Argent, and The Countess of Verulam.
The awards will be presented by Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Campbell, deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Richard Beazley, Pro Chancellor and chairman of the board of governors.
University of Hertfordshire secretary and registrar Sue Grant, who leads the academic procession at the ceremonies, said: “We are incredibly proud of our graduates and these ceremonies reward the dedication and impressive achievements of our students.
“We hope that they, along with their family and friends, will enjoy a day of celebration in the city of St Albans.”
She added: “The graduate employment rate for the university is high and we are delighted that our graduates continue to make a positive contribution to the economy.
“We wish them all the very best for the future and look forward to keeping in touch with them as they move on to the next stage.”
• Honorary Degrees and Fellowships will be awarded to:
Mr Philip Waters FRSA – In recognition his services to the University and the community of Hertfordshire.
Ms Elaine Paige OBE – In recognition of her outstanding contribution to music and theatre.
Mr Jeremy Butterworth – In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to British drama and film.
Ms Diane Maclean FRBS – In recognition of her support of the University and her contribution to the sculpture industry and environmental art.
Dr Vivienne Cox CBE – In recognition of her outstanding contribution to international development, business and industry.
Mr Barry Dodd CBE – In recognition of his contribution to business and industry and entrepreneurship.
Mr Edward Griffiths – In recognition his significant contribution to the development of sport.
Mrs Catherine Jobling Scorey – In recognition of her contribution to the fashion industry.
Mr Andrew Green – In recognition of his contribution to the capturing of oral history.
Mr David Henson MBE – In recognition of his services to sport and the community in Hertfordshire.
Mr Colin Gordon – In recognition of his services to the University and business.
Mr Jim Rodford – In recognition of his services to music.
Ms Grace Ononiwu OBE – In recognition her contribution to justice and the legal system, including her ongoing work to promote legal education.
The Countess of Verulam – In recognition of her services to the University of Hertfordshire.
Mr Dan Dark – In recognition of his contribution to the film industry in Hertfordshire.
Mr Christopher Porritt – In recognition of his contribution to the automotive industry.
• For more information, visit www.herts.ac.uk
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