Honorary degree a solo affair for one half of much-loved comedy duo

Comedian Bob Mortimer will bring his unique brand of humour to Teesside University when he collects an honorary degree as part of this year’s graduation celebrations.

Best known for his double act with Vic Reeves, he will be joined by eight other distinguished figures who will pick up honorary degrees at the ceremonies which take place from 24 November to 2 December.

Bob went to Acklam High School and in his younger days had trials for Middlesbrough FC. He is still an avid supporter of Middlesbrough and sang the team’s official FA Cup song, Let’s Dance, when they reached the final in 1997. Bob worked as a solicitor before moving into comedy in the late 1980s.

Also being honoured this year is:

• Sandy Anderson OBE DL FREng, FIChemE, former chair of Teesside University Board of Governors • Professor James Caldwell DSc, leading global mathematician • Alan Ransome OBE, English table tennis European champion • Alison Thain OBE FCIH, Group Chief Executive of housing association Thirteen • Judge Gillian Matthews QC, Distinguished judge sitting on the Teesside Bench • Richard Barker, Chairman of Barker and Stonehouse • William Tillyer, world-renowned artist • David Muckle DSc, orthopaedic surgeon.

Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University, said: 'It really is going to be a huge privilege to award honorary degrees to such a diverse and talented group of people. I know our students will enjoy sharing their success with such influential individuals, and role models, and I am sure that they will all prove to be great ambassadors for our University and its community.'

Details of Teesside University’s 2014 honorary graduates in the order they will receive their awards.

Sandy Anderson OBE DL FREng FIChemE - Doctor of Laws Sandy Anderson was, until January this year, Chair of the University Board of Governors. He is Chair of Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and among many other roles, former Senior Vice-President (Technology), ICI, and former Chair of DigitalCity, Ensus UK and Teesside Tomorrow.

Professor James Caldwell DSc - Doctor in Professional Achievement Jim Caldwell is a leading global academic in mathematical modelling. He gained his PhD here and also his Doctor of Science (our most senior academic award). He has worked both in industry and academia and was recently made an Honorary Professor of the Open University of Hong Kong.

Alan Ransome OBE - Doctor in Professional Achievement Alan Ransome is one of the leading figures in international table tennis over the last 50 years. He has coached England, won the European Championships with Ormesby, and is a leading local and national coach, organiser of the World Student Games, media commentator and ex-Chairman of the English Table Tennis Association and Chairman of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation. He coached the Great Britain team at the 1996 Olympic Games.

Alison Thain OBE FCIH - Doctor of Business Administration Alison Thain is the Group Chief Executive of the housing association Thirteen, having previously been Chief Executive of five other housing associations. She has been a Board member of the Regional Development Agency, and is a Board member of the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership, Chair of CBI North East and a Council member of the North East Chamber of Commerce. She was, until this year, a Governor of the University.

Her Honour Judge Gillian Matthews QC - Doctor of Laws Judge Gillian Matthews is a distinguished local judge. She is a former Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge and currently Designated Civil Judge for Teesside. She is the first ever female QC to come from Middlesbrough and one of only two women in the country to be a Designated Civil Judge.

Richard Barker - Doctor of Business Administration Richard Barker is Chairman of furniture company Barker & Stonehouse. He joined the company (co-founded by his father) in 1960 and, under his leadership, it has grown to be a major national employer and a leading retailer in its field. It is the largest family-owned furniture company in the UK.

William Tillyer – Doctor of Art William Tillyer is a Middlesbrough born artist. He studied at Slade School of Fine Art, University College London and Atelier 17 Studio in Paris. He has exhibited globally including, this year, at mima. He held a Visiting Professorship at Brown University, Rhode Island, USA.

Bob Mortimer - Doctor in Professional Achievement Bob Mortimer is a Middlesbrough born actor and comedian. He is best known for his double act with Vic Reeves through shows like Reeves and Mortimer, Shooting Stars and House of Fools. He owns an independent production company and is recognised as a highly innovative performer, writer and producer.

David Muckle DSc - Doctor in Professional Achievement David Muckle is a leading orthopaedic surgeon. He was a member of the team that invented Ibuprofen and author of over 200 published articles. He is medical adviser to many sporting organisations including the Football Association. He is a member of the Research Ethics Committee of the School of Science & Engineering.

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