Top stars line up for honours at university
12:10pm Friday 19th June 2009 in News
THEY are more commonly seen getting the red-carpet treatment at glitzy London bashes.
But stars of TV, music and football will descend on Bolton next week to be honoured by the town’s university.
Bolton-born TV presenter Vernon Kay will head a celebrity line-up being awarded honorary doctorates.
Others receiving recognition for achievement in their fields are England footballer Gary Neville and members of acclaimed band The Buzzcocks.
They will attend a ceremony along with hundreds of graduates at the Victoria Hall in Bolton town centre next month.
University of Bolton vice-chancellor Dr George Holmes said: “We are proud to be celebrating the achievements of our graduating students as we welcome our honoured guests to the university's degree congregation ceremonies.
“Those receiving honorary doctorates are examples of the shining talent within the Bolton family, in fields of particular interest to the university, from those successful in the media, the creative industries of entertainment and music, as well as sport.”
A university committee put forward entertainer and Radio One DJ Vernon for his contribution to entertainment.
He began TV presenting on the BBC children’s show FBi and has presented various shows, most notably T4, Beat The Star and All Star Family Fortunes.
Bury-born Gary receives his doctorate for his outstanding contribution to sport. The Manchester United club captain sensation is England’s most-capped full-back.
Howard Devoto and Pete Shelley, original members of punk band The Buzzcocks, will be returning to the university, where they studied humanities. They are being recognised for their contribution to music.
The awards will be presented during two days of celebrations on July 9 and July 10.
Other people being honoured at the ceremonies are Yakub Patel and Anwar Patel for their contribution to the Bolton community. The millionaire brothers behind Bolton-based pharmacy chain, Cohens, are sponsors of the town’s first academy school, Essa in Great Lever. Lorraine Brannan receives an honorary doctorate for her outstanding contribution to the university. A former chairman of the university board of governors, she was a governor for six years.
Mathaka Mmapatsi, a Bolton alumnus, will receive an alumni fellowship. He has a high-level position with the Training Agency in Botswana and still works closely with the university.
schaudhari@theboltonnews.co.uk
