News

Honorary degrees celebrate “Durham Difference”

(29 June 2010)

Students graduate from Durham University

Durham University is celebrating the world class experience it offers students by conferring honorary degrees on those whose achievements highlight the "Durham Difference".

A polar explorer, a member of popular television series Time Team and a leading promoter of women's education in Afghanistan will be among those with Durham connections who will receive honours from the University.

The degree ceremonies, held in Durham Cathedral, run from June 29 to July 2. Each honorary degree, to be conferred by Chancellor Bill Bryson, will be awarded as part of a student graduation ceremony.

Durham born Robert Swan, who was the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles, will be made an honorary Doctor of Science.

Robert, who studied Ancient History at Durham University, is also a leading global environmentalist.

Also being honoured is Professor Mick Aston, best known for being lead archaeologist on Channel 4's successful Time Team programme.

Professor Aston, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters, is a Visitor in Durham's Department of Archaeology which is ranked in the top two archaeology departments in the UK.

Other honorary degree recipients include Professor Hamidullah Amin , a former Durham University student, who is Chancellor of Kabul University in Afghanistan.

Professor Amin, who will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters, has dedicated himself to ensuring all women have access to Higher Education to study and to teach.

To help achieve this he has joined with Bill Bryson to launch a 'Scholarships for Afghan Women' appeal to Durham University's alumni and friends. The appeal has raised enough money to bring 24 young Afghan women to Durham to study for postgraduate degrees. The first five female students from Kabul University will arrive in Durham in September

Leading literary critic Professor Terry Eagleton, who has strong ties with Durham University's Department of English - one of the leading English departments in the UK -  will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters.

Also being honoured is Professor David Croisdale-Appleby, a prominent campaigner for social justice who has served as a lay member of Durham's University Council since 2001. Professor Croisdale-Appleby will receive an honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: "Durham University offers its students a unique experience combining a first-class education, delivered by some of the world's leading academics, with the social and pastoral experience offered by our colleges.

"A Durham education provides students with opportunities that extend way beyond their degrees and this is reflected in the talent and achievements of many of our alumni and those connected with the University.

"Our honorary degree recipients are a great example of the Durham Difference and we are privileged to honour the hard work and success of these individuals who are leaders in their respective fields.

"By conferring these honorary degrees we are rewarding their dedication and excellence and I am sure this year's recipients will prove inspirational to our graduates as they set out on achieving their own goals and ambitions."