Durham University announces honorary degrees for six figures

Durham University is set to honour notable figures in human rights, conservation, business, education and the media industry this summer.

The prestigious list includes renowned author Hunter Davies, human rights activist Dr Dalee Sambo Dorough, County Durham botanist Dr Margaret Bradshaw, Stemettes co-founder Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon and respected businessman James Timpson.

(Image: Anne-Marie Imafidon)

Also joining these esteemed professionals is Richard Ovenden, current Bodley's Librarian at the University of Oxford.

(Image: John Cairns)

The honorary degrees are set to be awarded at the University’s Summer Congregation, scheduled from June 26 to July 3, as the institution's students graduate amidst the historic splendour of Durham Cathedral.

(Image: Hunter Davies)

The event will acknowledge the substantial contributions made by each distinguished individual across diverse specialities.

(Image: Hannah Dorough)

Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor and warden of Durham University, noted of the pending honourees: "Our summer honorary graduates are a shining inspiration to all our community, achieving at the highest levels of their professions while effecting positive change on our society and culture globally, nationally and regionally."

Dr Margaret Bradshaw, recipient of a Doctor of Science honorary degree said: "I am surprised and honoured!

"What had I done to deserve this award?

"Maybe, highlighted the flora in Teesdale and the need to cherish and conserve it; informed a wide audience via the Botany Group, public lectures, the Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust webpage and social media."

(Image: Rebecca Cole for The Guardian)

Mr Davies said: "Obviously, I am over the moon.

"I could not possibly be sick as a parrot, could I, as being at Durham, editing Palatinate and being Senior Man of Castle, was probably about the best fun in my long-legged life."

Dr Dalee Sambo Dorough said: "As an Inuk, I am pleased to note Durham University’s long history of interest across Inuit Nunaat and their more recent commitment to the diverse fields of social science in the Arctic, which align directly with my areas of work and advocacy.

"Therefore, I am happy to receive an Honorary Degree from Durham and look forward to contributing to the University’s future work throughout the Arctic."

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Dr Imafidon said: "Durham University has been doing the work on equality, diversity and inclusion for a number of years.

"It’s also the home of the AMI Women in Tech scholarships.

"It’s been an honour to be involved in change here and to be recognised by the wider University in this way."

Mr Ovenden said: "I am astonished, moved, and delighted to be given an honorary degree.

"Attending Durham was a life-changing experience, opening vistas of ideas and knowledge which inspired and shaped me for the rest of my life."

(Image: James Timpson)

Mr Timpson said: "Durham is a city that is dear to my heart.

"I had three very happy years here studying geography and, like many grads who met their partners at the University, I met my wife, Roisin, here too.

"Our daughter, Niamh, has recently graduated as well, so receiving this award is the icing on the cake.

"The University is a life-changing institution that I’m proud to be part of."