UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER'S THURSDAY GRADUATION CEREMONY
Thursday, November 01, 2007 Rik Mayall and John Yelland receive honorary awards in Thursday's ceremony.
The annual splendour and excitement of the University of Worcester Graduation Ceremonies takes place from Wednesday 31 October to Friday 2 November.
Press Office Contact:
01905 855 141
press@worc.ac.uk
The annual splendour and excitement of the University of Worcester Graduation Ceremonies takes place from Wednesday 31 October to Friday 2 November.
Each day, a colourful and impressive procession of academic staff in their robes will be making their way from the Guildhall to the Cathedral. This year more than 2,200 students will receive tangible evidence of their academic success.
On Thursday, the graduates will be joined by two individuals who have been awarded honorary MAs for their major contributions to society.
Thursday's Honorary Graduates:
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Rik Mayall
Comedian, writer and actor Rik Mayall is receiving an honorary Masters degree from the University of Worcester in recognition of his outstanding contribution to comedy.
One of the most enduring and successful figures in modern comedy, Rik is best known for his wild, loud, brash and often violent characterisations. Many have tried to copy Rik’s comedic style but few have come close to matching his unique technique.
Rik spent most of his childhood in Worcestershire and attended Kings School, Worcester. He first rose to fame with long-term comedy partner Adrian Edmonson during the alternative comedy boom of the early 1980s and has been at the forefront of the entertainment world ever since.
In 1998 Rik was seriously injured in a quad bike accident near his home. After several days in a coma he set about rebuilding his personal and professional life and was soon back at the top of his profession.
Best known for his many screen appearances, including The Young Ones, Bottom, The New Statesman and Drop Dead Fred, Rik also performs regularly in theatres throughout the UK.
University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said: “Rik Mayall’s talent, energy and commitment to the world of alternative comedy and drama are just some of the reasons why Rik has become one of the UK’s best loved comedians, writers and actors. He has helped to create some of the UK’s best-known comedy dramas and individual comic characters. His triumph over personal adversity demonstrates the capabilities of the human spirit, even when all seems lost. As one of Worcestershire’s most colourful sons, we’re delighted to award Rik an Honorary Masters degree.”
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John Yelland
Former University of Worcester Chair of Governor’s, John Yelland, is receiving an Honorary Masters degree and a University Fellowship in recognition for his many contributions to the University of Worcester. He will also become the founding President of its new College of Fellows.
A qualified chartered accountant who leads his own highly regarded Worcester practice, John has been a member of the Board of Governors for 13 years including eight years as Chair. During his chairmanship, John has overseen a time of rapid change at the University. This including the University, doubling in size, gaining full University Status, the appointment of the Duke of Gloucester as the University’s first Chancellor and the securing of a new £120m second campus site for the University.
John has also been very active over the past 30 years in developing Worcester’s Arts and Heritage organisations. His numerous positions including being a Trustee of Worcester Live, Trustee of the Worcester Festival and Trustee of the City of Worcester Building Preservation Trust. John was a key member of the small group who campaigned to save Worcester’s 18th Century Countess of Huntingdon Chapel from being demolished and then transforming it into the acclaimed Huntingdon Hall with its lively, broad-ranging programme of cultural events.
Other organisations John is involved with include being President of the Rotary Club of Worcester, Governor of Worcester Sixth Form College and Honorary Auditor of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society.
University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said: “John Yelland has had an enormously beneficial influence on Worcestershire life in general and the University of Worcester in particular. His commitment to education is boundless and he has made a huge, strategic contribution to the development of the University. John will be the first person ever to be awarded both an Honorary degree and a University Fellowship, in recognition of his outstanding work. We look forward to continuing our close association with John in the future, as he will become the Founding President of the University’s new College of Fellows which will be established next year.”
Press Office Contact:
01905 855 141
press@worc.ac.uk