Share

Broad spectrum of national and local figures to be awarded honorary degrees

A religious leader, opera singer, pharmaceutical entrepreneur, renowned scholar and charity champion are among those to be recognised with honorary degrees from the University of Aberdeen this November.

The institution’s winter ceremonies will see the Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Henry Sacks, and Professor Dame Hazel Genn, an internationally renowned scholar on civil justice, presented with honorary Doctor of Laws degrees.

Jennifer Anne Shirreffs MBE, an Aberdeen graduate who has been a prominent volunteer and contributor to the charitable sector in the Granite City over many years will be made a Master of the University. She has dedicated her time to the voluntary sector for more than 30 years, holding posts a dozens of charitable organisations including the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (now Children First), Aberdeen and NE Deaf Society, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Grampian Epilepsy Appeal, Aberdeen Performing Arts, and the Aberdeen and North East of Scotland School of Music, among many others.

In celebration of his contribution to music the internationally acclaimed Welsh baritone soloist and opera star, Jeremy Huw Williams, will become an honorary Doctor of Music.

A Doctor of Science degree will be awarded to Michael Wyllie, a Director and Founder of Global Pharma Consulting. A double graduate of the University of Aberdeen he has over 30 years of experience in senior management positions in the pharmaceutical industry. He is Chairman of Glycomar Ltd, the Oban-based marine biotechnology company and a member of the University’s Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics advisory board. Dr Wyllie is named inventor on over 100 'method of treatment', formulation and device patents.

The Winter graduation ceremonies will take today (Thursday November 24) and tomorrow (Friday November 25) at Elphinstone Hall on the University’s King’s College Campus.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ian Diamond said: “The University of Aberdeen is proud to honour these exceptional individuals who have achieved greatness in their respective fields.

“In each of their distinguished careers they have embodied the qualities, values and passion required to make it to the top of their professions. They provide inspirational examples for our graduands who will celebrate their own achievements in graduating from the University.”

94 Views