Suffolk College Announces Honorary Graduates For 2004 - 12 March 2004

The following will be receiving Honorary Degrees of the University of East Anglia at our Higher Education Graduation Ceremonies on Wednesday, 27 October 2004 and Thursday, 28 October 2004:

Honorary Degrees are awarded to those individuals with a national or international reputation; individuals who have made a significant contribution to Ipswich or the County of Suffolk or individuals with a strong connection to Ipswich or the County of Suffolk.

Bob Champion: Bob Champion is regarded as ‘One of the World’s Greatest Jockeys’. He successfully fought and overcome cancer going on to win the Grand National in 1981. In 1983 he set up the Bob Champion Cancer Trust which has raised a staggering £6 million to support research and patient-related support in the treatment and ultimate eradication of male cancers. He currently lives in Newmarket. Bob will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law.

Ivan Cutting: Ivan Cutting is Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Eastern Angles Theatre Company based in Ipswich and has directed most of the company’s work over the past twenty years. The Eastern Angles Theatre Company is universally recognised as one of the most successful theatre companies in the UK. Ivan will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.

Dominic Barker Trust: The Dominic Barker Trust, a charity colloquially known as ‘Dom’s Fund’, was set up in memory of Dominic Barker for whom the burden of stammering was so great that he took his own life. The trust funds research into stammering and currently funds ongoing research based at Suffolk College. The Trust will be receive an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law and will be the first Trust of its kind to receive an honorary degree from UEA. It is hoped that Sir Malcolm Pill (Chairman of the Trust) will receive the award on behalf of the Trust.

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Helen Fraser: Helen Fraser is a well-known actress who lives in Suffolk who has starred in numerous films and TV shows. Her most recent TV appearance has been in the acclaimed series ‘Bad Girls’. Helen will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law.

David Sheepshanks: David Sheepshanks has over the years made a significant contribution to business and the local community. He is a successful business man and is the Chairman of Suffolk Foods, a local based company started from scratch with his brother Rick, which recently won two industry awards organised by the British Sandwich Association for exports and for a new sandwich ingredient. The company now employs 130 people. David, in his 9 years as chairman of ITFC, has been the major driving force behind the significant changes and improvements to the club, as well as achieving national football recognition. A former chairman of the Football League board he is currently a member of both the Football Association and Football League main boards. David is the founder Chairman of the ITFC Education and Sports Trust, a founder trustee of the Community Foundation for Suffolk, Patron of the Ipswich and East Suffolk branch of the Samaritans and President of the Ipswich C.A.B. David will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

For further information please contact:

Tracey Bailey, Promotions & Information Centre Manager

Tel: 01473 296520

Email: tracey.bailey@Suffolk.ac.uk

Issued by Promotions

12 March 2004