Sussex rounds off a golden year at graduation
The University rounded off a year of public celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary with a bumper crop of graduating students at its six summer graduation ceremonies this month (18-20 July).
A total of 2,225 students – the biggest number ever to attend the summer ceremonies – were awarded their degrees by the Chancellor, Sanjeev Bhaskar, at Brighton Dome, watched by 6,000 guests, family and friends. Hundreds more were watching around the world as the ceremonies were broadcast live online.
The University celebrated the achievements of leaders in their fields with the award of five honorary degrees at the graduation ceremonies.
- Nigel Newton, founder and Chief Executive of Bloomsbury Publishing, who was made Doctor of Letters for his contribution to literature.
- Professor John McNamara, Professor of Mathematics and Biology at Bristol University, who is regarded as one of the main architects of theoretical behavioural/evolutionary biology, which relates to the evolution of animal behaviour. He was made Doctor of Science for his contribution to mathematics.
- Professor Stephen D Hopper, Director (CEO and Chief Scientist) of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who became Doctor of Science for his contribution to global science in the field of plant conservations biology.
- Professor Onora O’Neill (Baroness O’Neill of Bengarve), philosopher and a crossbench member of the House of Lords, who was made Doctor of Letters for her contribution to public service and advocacy of the importance of higher education in the UK.
- Kay Andrews OBE (Baroness Andrews of Southover), Chair of the Commission for English Heritage and Deputy Chairman of the House of Lords, who was awarded a Doctor of Laws for her contribution to government, education and heritage.