News

Honorary graduates

Published 28 July 2011

Philanthropist Michael Chowen called on graduates to forego an expensive meal out or a bottle of wine – to save someone’s eyesight.

Mr Chowen, a retired businessman who has made numerous donations to educational institutions, was made an honorary Doctor of Science at the University of Brighton’s graduation ceremony at the Dome in Brighton.

He told graduates that charity was close to his heart and urged them to follow suit: “Start now; start small. £10 saved on a less-expensive meal or a bottle of wine, donated with Gift Aid from the Government, double-match funded, can pay for a cataract operation in the third world that will give sight.

“With slightly higher contributions hearing can be restored – again, only in one ear, but for a deaf person: life changing.”

Mr Chowen is a strong advocate of philanthropy as a force for good and his donations include a recent contribution of £150,000 to the University of Brighton, enabling work on a research project to reduce greenhouse gasses by breaking apart pressurized CO2 into its harmless components of oxygen and carbon.

He praised the quality of teaching at the University of Brighton: “The quality and range of courses available results in students obtaining employment in areas of real job satisfaction, and demonstrates the added value of their education, both to the individual and to society at large.”

Mr Chowen said: “The university will always welcome contributions to finance bursaries for students, to improve facilities and for research. Never to cover basic costs but always to help make a good university into a great one….do become a member of the Brighton Alumni and support their initiatives.”

National newspaper cartoonist best known for his caricatures of British prime ministers was made an honorary Doctor of Art. 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.”

Keynote speaker was Sir Harry Kroto, 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 have attended 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.