Special guests are honoured at graduation ceremonies
Honorary degree holders graduate alongside ARU students
Thousands of students have been joined by their friends and families at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) graduation ceremonies, as they have officially marked the completion of their courses.
A total of 24 ceremonies have taken place at Chelmsford Cathedral, Cambridge Corn Exchange and Peterborough Cathedral during the past three weeks as the graduates have taken the next step on their respective journeys.
The graduates were joined by five special guests, who were recognised by ARU for their contributions to their respective fields with honorary degrees.
Dr Rajiv Raman is an internationally renowned retinal specialist and scientist, and pioneer in using Artificial Intelligence in the detection of diabetic retinopathy. He was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences.
Sarah Perry is an award-winning novelist and former ARU student. One of the most talented writers of her generation, she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2018. She was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Letters.
Mark Coulier is an award-winning prosthetic make-up designer who has worked on Hollywood blockbusters such as the Harry Potter series of films, Star Wars: Episode 1 and The Mummy. A former ARU student, he has won three BAFTAs, three Primetime Emmy awards and two ‘best make-up’ Oscars for his work on The Iron Lady and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Mark received the award of Honorary Doctor of Arts.
Professor Roger Motson is the former director of the ICENI Surgical Education centre in Colchester. He has had a huge impact in the field of laparoscopic surgery, pioneering new techniques and helping train hundreds of surgical practitioners. He was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences.
Stephen Kavanagh is a former Chief Constable of Essex Police who was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal in 2018 for distinguished service. He has been a supporter of ARU’s Policing Institute for the Eastern Region, which is committed to the improvement of policing practice through high-quality research. He received the award of Honorary Doctor of Laws.
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of ARU, said:
“There is always a terrific atmosphere in our home cities as students celebrate with their families, friends and of course the staff who have helped them through their studies.”
