Tenth Anniversary celebrations at the University of Teesside

Over 2,000 graduates from the University of Teesside will receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates at Middlesbrough Town Hall, from Tuesday 19 November to Friday 22 November. This year's ceremonies are a special occasion, as the University celebrates ten years of University status.

They will be receiving their academic awards in person from the University of Teesside's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Derek Fraser, on the Town Hall's main stage. The ceremonies will be the last to be conducted by Professor Fraser, who retires in March 2003. Nine individual ceremonies have been organised and family members; friends and VIPs will swell the numbers enjoying the celebrations to more than 7,000.

Before the first ceremony on Tuesday 19 November a procession by academic staff and members of the University's Board of Governors will take place, leaving the University's main entrance on King Edward's Square, Middlesbrough, at 10.05am and along Albert Road to Middlesbrough Town Hall. (The procession only takes place once and leaves the University at 10.05am on Tuesday 19 November).

On Friday 22 November during the final ceremony, which starts at 11am in Middlesbrough Town Hall, Honorary degrees will be conferred on six leading figures from the worlds of cinema, sport, literature, the health service, education and business. There will be a photo-call/opportunity for media interviews beforehand, from 9.45am - 10.30am on 22 November at the fourth floor, Learning Resource Centre, Southfield Road, Middlesbrough. The University's Chancellor, the Rt. Hon The Lord Brittan of Spennithorne QC, will also attend the Honorary Graduates ceremony. This year's Honorary Graduands are:

Ray Harryhausen (Honorary degree of Doctor of Science). Ray is the internationally famous pioneer of film animation and an Oscar winner. His films include The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans. Ray first visited the University in February 2001 to speak about his career at the University's annual Animation festival.

Alan Smith (Honorary degree of Master of Science). Born in Middlesbrough, Alan has enjoyed an outstanding career as an international football physiotherapist. In 1994 he was appointed as Physiotherapist to the England team, serving under Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan and Sven-Goran Eriksson. He helped in the rehabilitation of Alan Shearer before Euro 96 and David Beckham prior to the 2002 World Cup. Alan's last match before retiring was England v Brazil in the Quarter Final of the 2002 World Cup.

Jane Gardam (Honorary degree of Doctor of Letters). Born in Redcar, Jane is the author of many novels and collections of short stories, both for children and adults. Her novel, The Queen of the Tambourine, won her the 1991 Whitbread Best Novel of the Year. Other novels include God on the Rocks, which was televised in 1992 and The Flight of the Maidens.

Bill Murray OBE (Honorary degree of Doctor of Science). Bill is a Chartered Engineer by profession. He joined the National Health Service in the 1960s. As Chief Executive of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust he is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in the modernisation of the health service.

Phillip Yuill (Honorary degree of Master of Science). Phillip is the Chairman of the Yuill Group, a major local employer. He also makes a substantial contribution to the community as the President of the local NSPCC.

Ray Brunskill (Honorary degree of Doctor of Science). Ray was Dean of Computing & Mathematics at the University when it gained its 'Excellent' grading for teaching Computer Science, and is one of the best-known names in the computing sector of higher education.

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