Bath Spa University is to award five new honorary degrees at its annual graduation ceremonies on Wednesday 16th – Friday 18th July at Bath Abbey.
© BBC
Previous Bath Spa governors Stella Pirie OBE and Mary Toman; contemporary conceptual artist and painter Michael Craig-Martin CBE; American saxophonist, composer and arranger Alfred ‘Pee Wee’ Ellis; and entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor Deborah Meaden will all be honoured by the University.
Stella Pirie OBE and Mary Toman were the University’s longest serving Governors and will be awarded Honorary Fellowships in recognition of their outstanding service to Bath Spa University on Wednesday 16th and Friday 18th July respectively.
Michael Craig-Martin CBE, a contemporary conceptual artist and painter who famously fostered the talent of the ‘Young British Artists’, will be given an honorary doctorate for his services to art on Wednesday 16 July.
Alfred ‘Pee Wee’ Ellis, a leading figure in African-American music and funk music, will be given an honorary doctorate in recognition of his services to contemporary music on Thursday 17th July.
Deborah Meaden, a successful Somerset-based entrepreneur and popular Dragon’s Den investor, will be given an honorary doctorate for outstanding services to the world of business on Friday 18th July.
Commenting on this year’s honorary graduates, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University Professor Christina Slade said: “The achievements of our honorary graduates in their respective fields are a huge inspiration to our students today, who are studying courses with a strong emphasis on combining creativity, culture and enterprise.
“Each of the honorary graduates reflects the aspirations of many of our graduating students and we are delighted to welcome them to our fellowship.”
The honorary degrees will be awarded during three days of celebration when over 1,700 students will graduate from the University in subjects spanning the visual and performing arts, humanities, education, social sciences and science.
The processional music ‘Remembering 2014’ has been written by second year music student Sophie Johnson who won a competition for students to write a fanfare and march for the ceremonies.
