Graduates, family and friends to celebrate at the Town Hall

This week over 3,000 former students will celebrate their graduations from the University of Teesside in ten ceremonies at Middlesbrough Town Hall. They will receive a range of awards, including diplomas, first degrees, masters and doctorates.

The graduates will be accompanied by 8,000 guests, as family and friends join in the celebrations. All graduates are to receive their awards from the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Henderson.

The ceremonies begin today, Tuesday 20 November, with the traditional academic procession, going from the University entrance, along Albert Road to Middlesbrough Town Hall.

The week’s celebrations conclude with the Honorary Graduates’ ceremony this Friday, where seven leading individuals will receive academic recognition for their diverse achievements. The Honorary degrees will be awarded by Lord Sawyer of Darlington to the following:

Jeff Stelling, Doctor of Professional Studies Jeff Stelling is best known nationally as the anchor for Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday. He is originally from Hartlepool, where he started his career in journalism.

Mrs Anne Fine OBE, Doctor of Letters Anne Fine is an award-winning children’s author. She lives in County Durham and her books have been translated into 26 languages.

Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, Doctor of Science Alec Jeffreys is the inventor of genetic fingerprinting, which changed the face of forensic science and criminal justice throughout the world.

Professor Martin Narey, Doctor of Laws Middlesbrough-born and based Martin Narey is Chief Executive of the charity Barnados, having previously served as Chief Executive of the Prison Service, later the National Offender Management Service.

Dato’ Seri Professor Dr Ibrahim bin Abu Shah, Doctor of Laws Professor Abu Shah is the Vice-Chancellor of the University’s partner university in Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), the largest public university in the country, spread across 14 campuses.

Mr Alan Noble, Doctor of Professional Studies Alan Noble is a very successful local businessman, founding the company that is now Northgate PLC in 1981. The company runs 100,000 vehicles and employs 3,000 people across Europe.

Mr John Foster OBE DL, Doctor of Laws John Foster retires this year as University Visitor. He has an outstanding record of public service as Chief Executive of Middlesbrough Council, as Chair of South Tees Hospitals Acute NHS Trust and as a long-standing University Governor.

Professor Henderson said: ‘The University is delighted to be honouring a group of people of real talent and achievement. We are very much looking forward to greeting all our successful students and honoured guests this week.’

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