Anglia Ruskin presents six Honorary Awards during week of ceremonies

Over 2,900 Anglia Ruskin University students were joined by Honorary Award holders from the fields of humanitarian aid, education, industry and law as they celebrated their graduation in Chelmsford this week.

The ceremonies, which were held at the Graduation Pavilion on Anglia Ruskin's Chelmsford campus on 1-4 October, saw undergraduate and postgraduate students don ceremonial graduation gowns to mark the formal completion of their degrees.

The six Honorary Awards were presented during the faculty-themed ceremonies to various individuals in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Three of these Honorary Award holders are Anglia Ruskin's own alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in their fields.

Honorary degrees were received by former disaster relief worker Dame Claire Bertschinger DBE, Head of King John School in Benfleet Margaret Wilson, CEO of technology company e2V Keith Attwood, international sports lawyer Ian Blackshaw, former Renault and Ford car designer Patrick le Quément, and Chairman of construction and logistics company Wilson James Ltd Gary Sullivan OBE.

Dame Claire Bertschinger DBE, the person who inspired Sir Bob Geldof to set up Band Aid, received an Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences for her selfless work as a nurse in impoverished and war-torn regions around the world.

Margaret Wilson, head teacher of The King John School, a Mathematics and Computing Specialist College in Benfleet, and a spokesperson on educational issues, received an Honorary Doctor of Education.

Keith Attwood received an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration for his work as CEO of e2V, a Chelmsford-based global technology company. Under Keith's leadership, new acquisitions and organic growth have seen the company double its sales and diversify into new product areas.

Professor Ian Blackshaw was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his achievements as an author, esteemed lawyer specialising in sports law, board member of the Anglia Ruskin International Law Unit and notable alumnus.

Patrick le Quément received an Honorary Doctor of Technology for this work as an internationally renowned vehicle designer at Ford and Renault. During 22 years at Renault, the Anglia Ruskin alumnus managed the development of cars such as the Laguna, Scenic and Mégane.

Gary Sullivan OBE received the Honorary award of Doctor Business Administration for his charitable work within Essex and his role as Chairman of Wilson James Ltd.