The University of Glasgow today awarded nine Honorary Degrees as part of its annual Commemoration Day celebrations.

Among them singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé was awarded the degree of Doctor of the University (DUniv) and ‘Dr Who’ writer, Steven Moffat, was awarded the Doctor of Letters (DLitt).

Emeli SandeEmeli Sandé attended the University of Glasgow between 2006 and 2009 where she received an intercalated degree in neuroscience. She was awarded her honorary degree for her outstanding contribution to the music industry. This year she performed at the opening and closing ceremonies at the London Olympics and released three No.1 UK singles. Her debut album, ‘Our Version of Events’ remained top of the UK album charts for 63 weeks, breaking the record previously held by The Beatles. In addition to her solo work Emeli has written music for a host of stars including Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Cheryl Cole and Susan Boyle.

Steven Moffat is a BAFTA award winning television writer and producer who, alongside his work on ‘Dr Who’, also co-wrote the recent BBC series ‘Sherlock’. Steven is an alumnus of the University of Glasgow.

Professor Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University in Montreal, Canada, has been awarded the Doctor of Letters (DLitt). Professor Munroe-Blum advises governments on the role that progressive, evidence-based public policy play in enriching society and enhancing international competitiveness. 

The University of Glasgow also awarded the title of Doctor of Science (DSc) onto three world-renowned scientists: Professor Asma Ismail is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, University Sains Malaysia and currently holds a position as Vice Chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia; Professor Srinath Reddy is President of the Public Health Foundation in India; and Professor Mark Walport is the Director of the Wellcome Trust in the UK.  

The Rt Hon Lord David Hope and the Rt Hon Lord John Reed, the two Scottish Justices of The Supreme Court, were made Doctor of Laws (LLD), along with Sheriff Principal James Taylor, the Sheriff Principal of the Sheriffdom of Glasgow and Strathkelvin.

Professor John Briggs, Clerk of Senate and Vice-Principal of the University of Glasgow, said: “The University of Glasgow is very pleased to recognise Emeli Sandé’s huge contribution to music, both in the UK and around the world, by awarding her an Honorary Degree.

“It’s also a privilege to be able to honour eight other figures who are recognised as leaders both within their own fields of expertise, and beyond.”

All nine received Honorary Degrees at a ceremony in the University of Glasgow’s Bute Hall today. A further 12 doctorates will to be awarded at the University of Glasgow’s graduation ceremonies, which are being held throughout June.

For more information please contact Nick Wade, Media Relations Officer at the University of Glasgow:

 

Notes for editors:

The full list of Honorary Degrees presented on 12 June are listed below:

DOCTOR OF LAWS (LLD)

The Rt Hon Lord HOPE

Supreme Court Judge

The Rt Hon Lord REED

Supreme Court Judge

Sheriff Principal James TAYLOR

Sheriff, Glasgow Court

DOCTOR OF LETTERS (DLitt)

Steven MOFFAT

Award Winning Dramatist

Professor Heather MUNROE-BLUM

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, McGill University

DOCTOR OF SCIENCE (DSc)

Professor Asma ISMAIL

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, University Sains Malaysia

Professor Srinath REDDY

President of the Public Health Foundation, India

Professor Sir Mark WALPORT

Chief Scientific Adviser to HM Government and Head of the Government Office for Science.

 

The following Honorary Degrees awarded at ceremonies throughout June are listed below:

DOCTOR OF LAWS (LLD)

Katherine GRAINGER – 20 June 4pm

Sportswoman

The Rt Hon Lady PATON – 20 June 4pm

Judge, Court of Session

DOCTOR OF LETTERS (DLitt)

Christopher BROOKMYRE – 27 June 4pm

Author

Muriel GRAY – GSA 14 June

Broadcaster, Author and Businesswoman

Terry JONES – 21 June 11am

Writer, Film Director and Actor

Professor Christain KAY – 27 June 11am

Emeritus Professor of English Language, University of Glasgow

Aonghas MACNEACAIL – 28 June 11am

Gaelic Poet

Professor Jean-Luc MARION – 27 June 11am

Professor of the Philosophy of Religions and Theology, University of Chicago

Jonathan SAUNDERS – GSA 14 June

Fashion Designer

DOCTOR OF SCIENCE (DSc)

Professor Barry BARISH – 25 June 4pm

Linde Professor of Physics, California Institute of Technology

Professor Roger CROFTS - Dumfries 2 Jul

Chairman, IUCN World Conservation Union UK Committee

DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE & SURGERY (DVMS)

John ROSS – 24 June 11am

Chairman, Moredun Foundation

 

First published: 12 June 2013

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