News

Honorary graduates

Published 22 July 2011

A national newspaper cartoonist best known for his caricatures of British prime ministers is to be awarded an honorary degree by the University of Brighton.

Steve Bell, who lives in Brighton, is famous for his editorial cartoons and long-running political strip If..., both of which have been appearing in The Guardian since 1981.

Mr Bell, Cartoonist of the Year 2003, created the image of former prime minister John Major with his underpants outside his trousers, and he has seen his work published all over the world.

He will be receive a Doctor of Art in recognition of his contribution to the art of the political and editorial cartoon, including the preservation of the cartoon as an art form. His presentation will take place next Tuesday (26 July) during graduation ceremonies at The Dome, Brighton.

An honorary degree will be presented on Wednesday (27 July) to Michael Chowen who will receive a Doctor of Science for his outstanding philanthropic activities in education in the Brighton area.

Mr Chowen is a strong advocate of philanthropy as a force for good and has personally made numerous donations to educational institutions. This included a recent donation of £150,000 to the University of Brighton, enabling work on a research project to reduce greenhouse gasses by breaking apart pressurised CO2 into its harmless components of oxygen and carbon.

Mr Chowen's interest in this area was sparked by his attendance at a lecture given by Sir Harry Kroto, keynote speaker at the ceremonies on Wednesday.

Sir Harry is a Nobel prize-winning chemist whose pioneering research into carbon chains in the interstellar medium - the matter that exists between the star systems of galaxies - led to the discovery of the C60 carbon molecule. Sir Harry currently is engaged in nanoscience and nanotechnology research at Florida State University.

More than 4,800 students are graduating and 3,400 will be attending with family and friends during the week-long ceremonies.

Professor Julian Crampton, the university's Vice-Chancellor, paid tribute to graduands: "They have all worked extremely hard to achieve their qualifications – sometimes in the face of challenging circumstances.

"I am continually struck by the wealth of talent and sense of community that exists here at the university, an institution that is very much on an upward trajectory. The quality and relevance of our courses and our strong links with professions and employers have resulted this year in close to 40,000 applications for places here and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School – making us the 12th most applied to university in the UK."

Honorary degrees recipients:

Jonathan Grimshaw MBE

Master of Laws, for his significant contribution in developing support for HIV positive individuals and challenging the stigma surrounding HIV and Aids.

Dr Martin Mackay

Doctor of Science, for his significant achievements in the pharmaceutical industry over the last 30 years, through his contribution to scientific knowledge and to corporate leadership in the sector.

Brian Oliver

Doctor of Letters. He has worked in national newspaper sport for 27 years and has been Editor of the Sport section of the Observer for 12 years. He is recognised for his contribution to innovation in sports journalism and securing international coverage of global sports news.

Professor Declan McGonagle

Doctor of Letters, for his major contribution to the development of art curation, in particular Irish art and the contemporary arts responding to social issues.

Professor Nigel Llewellyn

Doctor of Letters, for his contribution to commemorative art, early modern art, historiography and inspiring students in their pursuits in these fields.

Liz Gray

Master of Arts, for her significant contribution to the establishment, development and enhancement of a variety of teaching, learning and cultural partnerships and collaborations with the University of Brighton.