University honours stars of stage, screen…and stars
Some of the UK’s most well known faces – and voices – will be honoured by the University of Sunderland this summer, alongside distinguished figures on the regional, national and international stage – and beyond to the stars!
The University will give honorary awards to eight distinguished figures from July 10 to 14 at their annual Graduation Ceremonies. They will be joined by almost 3,000 graduates receiving awards from University Chancellor Steve Cram CBE, ITV Evening News presenter Alastair Stewart, and Chairman of the Leighton Group Paul Callaghan CBE.
Close to 12,000 people are expected to attend the Academic Awards at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, which are estimated to bring £1million annually to the region.
A full list of all honoraries and their awards follows below.
Brenda Blethyn OBE
BAFTA winning, Oscar-nominated actress, known for Secrets & Lies, Atonement, Little Voice and North East-based drama, Vera.
Honorary Doctorate of Arts, in recognition of her outstanding acting career in film, television and the theatre.
Paul Callaghan CBE, DL, FRSA
Chairman, The Leighton Group.
Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration, in recognition of his longstanding association with the University, his commitment to Sunderland and its culture, and to the global IT business community.
Lesley Spuhler OBE
Chief Executive Officer, Foundation of Light
Honorary Fellowship, in recognition of her outstanding support for North East charities, in particular the Foundation of Light.
Heidi Mottram OBE
CEO, Northumbrian Water Group
Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the business community in the North East, and supporting diversity within the field of engineering and environmental sustainability.
Dr Andrew Singleton
Chief of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics in the National Institute of Aging, USA.
Honorary Doctorate of Science, in recognition of his pioneering work in the understanding of neurological health disorders.
Gary Fildes
Director, Kielder Observatory
Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to making astronomy and space science accessible to a wider audience.
Ken Bremner
CEO, City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
Honorary Fellowship, in recognition of over 35 years of service to the NHS in the North East.
Felicity Finch
Actress, best known for playing Ruth Archer in Radio 4’s The Archers.
Honorary Doctorate of Arts, in recognition of her outstanding career as an actor, radio presenter and reporter.