Five inspirational figures are to be awarded with honorary doctorates during Edge Hill University’s Summer 2018 graduation week from 16-20 July.
They include DJ Janice Long, Director of the final four Harry Potter films David Yates and leading Hillsborough campaigner Professor Phil Scraton.
Former Dean of Postgraduate Medical Studies at Health Education England Professor Jacky Hayden and Chief Executive of Getty Images Dawn Airey will also receive honorary degrees.
Each of the recipients will be recognised by Edge Hill for their contributions to society that resonate with the University’s values, teaching and research.
Dawn Airey (Friday 20 July), who was brought up in Preston, has run, managed or chaired leading TV channels in the UK including ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and now leads Getty Images, the world-leading creators and distributors of award-winning still imagery, video, music and multimedia products.
Professor Jacky Hayden (Wednesday 18 July) was Dean of Postgraduate Medical Studies at Health Education England, working across the North West. She was awarded a CBE in 2013, the same year she was named as one of Health Service Journal’s Top 50 Inspirational Women.
Janice Long (Thursday 19 July) became the first female DJ to be given a daily show on national radio. Over the years she has worked for GLR, XFM, Radio 5, Radio Merseyside, presented Live Aid and established Crash FM (relaunched as Juice FM) in Liverpool. She continues to work at the cutting edge of new music in Liverpool.
Professor Phil Scraton (Monday 16 July) set up the Centre for Studies in Crime and Social Justice at Edge Hill University, was a founder member of the charity INQUEST and his work on the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium Disaster and its aftermath was the driving force in a campaign for justice that has encompassed almost three decades.
David Yates (Friday 20 July) is director of the final four films in the Harry Potter series. Thanks to his film and television success, St Helens-born David is considered to be one of Britain’s most celebrated directors.
Dr John Cater, Vice-Chancellor at Edge Hill University said: “Once again the University is privileged to have an exemplary list of honorary graduates, leaders in their fields, joining those who will be awarded their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
“For everyone this a wonderful time of the year, and the celebrations will have a special resonance following the University’s shortlisting for the Global Teaching Excellence Award and our identification as the Times/Sunday Times’ University of the Year for Student Retention”.