The University of Northampton to present Honorary Awards to six inspirational individuals

​​​Almost 4,000 students will be graduating from the University of Northampton this summer, with over 2,000 due to celebrate with family members, friends and staff of the University at the annual Summer Graduation ceremonies taking place over the course of four days starting on Tuesday 15 July.

Alongside the University graduands, six inspirational individuals will receive Honorary Awards at the Royal & Derngate Theatre formalities. The awards are in recognition of their outstanding contribution in their field and the influence they have.

Rajinder, Baron Loomba CBE, Anita Smith MBE and Lance Gardner MBE will be the latest recipients awarded with Honorary Fellowships by the University. An Honorary Master of Arts will be presented to Bill Drummond and an Honorary Doctorate will be conferred on Samantha Bond. The proceedings will also see David Laing recognised with an Honorary Fellowship and installed as the University’s first Pro Chancellor.

Three members of staff from the University of Northampton will also be receiving awards nominated and voted for by the Students’ Union; Inva Reic for Contribution to Outstanding Support, Dr Drew Gray the Innovative Teaching Award and Dr Patrick Campbell as Lecturer of the Year. Fifteen Leather Technology alumnus will each be receiving an honorary BSc award.

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, commented: “In addition to celebrating the outstanding achievements of the graduating class of summer 2014, during the eleven ceremonies to take place next week, we are also recognising high profile individuals who have collectively impacted, directly or indirectly, many millions of people worldwide through their acting, music, charitable activities or the social enterprises they run.  These recipients of honorary awards will, no doubt, motivate our graduates as they go out into the world and transform lives and inspire change amongst all those who come into contact with them”.

The University of Northampton will once again be web streaming the event for those who are unable to attend, in collaboration with Jackshoot. The ceremonies can be viewed online at www.northampton.ac.uk/graduationlive