A former Chief Executive of NHS England, a biotechnology innovator and entrepreneur and the author of an influential climate change report are among 12 people to receive honorary degrees from the University of Strathclyde this autumn.
The distinguished figures in fields including science, engineering, business and technology will be presented with their degrees during Strathclyde’s graduation ceremonies in late October and early November.
Each is receiving recognition for outstanding achievement in their respective areas.
Honorary degrees are being presented to:
- Professor Dame Muffy Calder, Vice-Principal and Head of College of Science and Engineering, University of Glasgow (Doctor of Science, Monday 31 October)
- Professor Sir Robert Lechler, Immunologist, King’s College London (Doctor of Science, Monday 31 October)
- Dr Ian Shott, Chemical Engineer and Entrepreneur (Doctor of Science, Tuesday 1 November)
- Dr Jeremy Beeton, Independent Non-Executive Director of infrastructure company John Laing Group (Doctor of the University, Tuesday 1 November)
- Gillian King, Non-Executive Director of employment agency Livingstone James (Doctor of the University, Tuesday 1 November)
- Ronnie Cleland, Former Scottish Chair of recruitment company Odgers Berndston (Doctor of the University, Thursday 3 November)
- Marion Venman, General Counsel and Secretary to the board of ScottishPower (Doctor of the University, Thursday 3 November)
- Lord Nicholas Stern, economist and author of the 2006 Stern Review on the economic impact of climate change (Doctor of the University, Thursday 3 November)
- Benny Higgins, Chair of investment company N4 partners and former CEO of Tesco Bank (Doctor of Business Administration, Friday 4 November)
- Professor Sir Mark Walport, CEO of UK Research & Innovation (Doctor of Science, Friday 4 November)
- Ian Manson, CEO of property investment company Clyde Gateway (Doctor of the University, Monday 7 November)
- Lord Simon Stevens, Lord Stevens of Birmingham, former CEO of NHS England (Doctor of the University, Tuesday 8 November).
Strathclyde’s Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, said: “These honorary degrees are being awarded in acknowledgement of exemplary contributions through service, leadership, excellence and inspiration. The recipients are not only exceptional in their own fields but offer ideal examples for others to aspire to and emulate.
At our graduation ceremonies, they will be joining students who are seeing the rewards of their hard work and commitment as they prepare to begin new careers. The recipients of our honorary degrees have excelled through the same qualities and we look forward to seeing their future successes.
Strathclyde will also be presenting its Alumnus of the Year and Alumna of the Year awards, given annually to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of former students. This year, they will be awarded to, respectively, Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, and Dr Carol Marsh, Head of Digital Systems with technology company Celestia-UK.