Graduation on Plymouth Hoe

Rock drummer Roger Taylor, cellist and conductor Julian Lloyd-Webber, and choreographer and dancer Wayne Sleep will be taking to the stage along with thousands of graduating students during Plymouth University’s graduation week this month.

The trio, who have performed to millions of people during their careers, will receive honorary doctorates from the University, along with a host of other leading names in the arts, sciences, business and health, including chef and author Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Football’s first million-pound man Trevor Francis, and European diving champion Sarah Barrow will join them as recipients of sporting colours from the University.

Around 5,000 students will graduate in the marquees atop Plymouth Hoe during the week, which attracts more than 22,000 visitors to the city, and contributes £700,000 to the local economy.

Professor David Coslett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said:

“This is the seventh year we have hosted the graduation ceremony overlooking Plymouth Sound, and it has come to be recognised as one of, if not the, most spectacular event of its kind in the country. It is a truly fitting location for our students who are coming to the end of one journey and embarking upon their next, just as so many people have launched exciting voyages from Plymouth through the ages.”

Queen drummer Roger Taylor, and cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber will both receive Honorary Doctorates of Music on Friday 26 September, the same day that Wayne Sleep and Simon Stokes, Artistic Director at Theatre Royal Plymouth, will be presented with Honorary Doctorates of Arts.

Firmly back on dry land, English sailor Robin Knox-Johnston is being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science on Wednesday 24 September, the same day as River Cottage entrepreneur and ethical food campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall receives an Honorary Doctorate of Business.

Ann James, Chief Executive of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Health on Saturday 27 September, while Olga Polizzi Shawcross CBE,Deputy Chairman and Director of Design for Rocco Forte Hotels, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business on Monday 22 September.

The University will also be awarding a number of sporting colours to those who have either graced the highest levels or given up their time to inspiring and helping others to partake in sport. Trevor Francis, arguably the finest footballer produced by the city, will receive his colours on Tuesday 23 September, while Sarah Barrow will emulate Tom Daley and Tonia Couch when she receives hers on Thursday 25 September.

Professor Coslett added: 

“Plymouth and the South West has produced many remarkable people, who have gone on to grace national and international stages, whether in the arts, business, science and technology, health and medicine, or sport. We look forward to welcoming our latest cohort of honorary doctors and sporting colours into our community, and joining with them in celebrating their achievements, and those of our graduating students.”

Honorary Doctorate timetable

  • Anita Lightstone, recently retired programme director of the UK Vision Strategy and former head of strategy at RNIB, who will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Health on Saturday 27 September.
  • Ann James, Chief Executive of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Health on Saturday 27 September.
  • David Linnell OBE, retired Chief Executive Officer of Cornwall College and Chair of the Raising Aspiration and Achievement Strategy Board for Cornwall, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Education on Thursday 25 September.
  • Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, chef, writer, broadcaster and campaigner, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business on Wednesday 24 September.
  • Professor Jane Francis, Director of the Cambridge-based British Antarctic Survey (BAS), will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Environmental Science on Wednesday 24 September. 
  • Julian Lloyd-Webber, British solo cellist and conductor and President of Plymouth Music Accord, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Music on Friday 26 September.
  • Michael Pearson, agricultural and rural affairs expert, and successful businessman, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business on Monday 22 September.
  • Olga Polizzi Shawcross CBE, Deputy Chairman and Director of Design for Rocco Forte Hotels, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business on Monday 22 September.
  • Peter Vosper, Plymouth born successful businessman and Chairman of the South West Ford Dealer Association, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business on Tuesday 23 September.
  • Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, renowned English Sailor, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science on Wednesday 23 September.
  • Roger Taylor, musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the drummer of rock band Queen, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Music on Friday 26 September.
  • Simon Stokes, Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Plymouth, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Arts on Friday 26 September.
  • Wayne Sleep, Plymouth born-dancer, director, choreographer, actor and panellist, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Arts on Friday 26 September.

Sporting Colours timetable

  • Alice Murray Gourlay, President of the University’s Athletics Club, and University of Plymouth Students’ Union Sportswoman of the Year – Saturday 27 September.
  • Andy Hill, Head Coach for Plymouth Fencing Club and England coach for the Commonwealth Games in 2006 – Friday 26 September.
  • Bernard Leach, Chairman of the Devon Football Association – Tuesday 23 September.
  • Jo Reed, University of Plymouth Students’ Union ‘RELAYS’ programme (Regional Legacy for Arts and Youth Sports) coordinator – Thursday 25 September.
  • Maria Leijerstam, Plymouth University mathematics graduate, company owner of Multisport Wales and podium-placed British Adventure Athlete – Monday 22 September.
  • Pat Widdecombe, volunteer and support worker for Plymouth University Raiders Basketball Club – Tuesday 23 September.
  • Pete McCoy, final year Marine Sports Science student and sailor, ranked 5th in the country and 39th in the world in the Finn class – Wednesday 24 September. 
  • Sarah Barrow, European Diving Champion – Thursday 25 September.
  • Trevor Francis, footballer, manager, and broadcaster – Tuesday 23 September.
  • Trish Deykin, successful local triathlete who competed and won at the highest level despite suffering from Multiple Sclerosis – Saturday 27 September.