Suffolk College Graduation Ceremonies - 21 October 2004

Honorary Graduands Available For Interview/Photo Opportunity

• Suffolk College graduation ceremonies will be held on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 October 2004 in the Main Hall, Suffolk College.

• More than 1,100 students will be graduating.

• The Senate of the University of East Anglia have decided, on the advice of Suffolk College, to award honorary degrees to those listed below. Candidates for Honorary Degrees are chosen for their outstanding contribution in their chosen field, and their association with Suffolk. The selection process and graduation ceremonies underline Suffolk College’s commitment to the community.

Suffolk College Honorary Graduates: 2004

Invitation for Press to attend

The press are invited to attend the pre-reception events before the ceremonies during the times shown below:

DAVID SHEEPSHANKS:

David Sheepshanks has over the years made a significant contribution to business and the local community. He is a successful businessman and was until recently the Chairman of Suffolk Foods, a local based company started from scratch with his brother Rick, which won two industry awards organised by the British Sandwich Foundation for exports and for a new sandwich ingredient. David, in his 9 years as chairman 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. Pre reception event:Wednesday, 27 October 2004, 1030 – 1045 hours

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BOB CHAMPION:

Bob Champion is regarded as 'One of the World's Greatest Jump Jockeys'. He successfully fought and overcame cancer going on to win the Grand National in 1981 riding Aldaniti. 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. Pre reception event: Wednesday, 27 October 2004, 1430 – 1445 hours.

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 recognised as one of the most successful theatre companies in the UK. Ivan also chairs Pride of Place and Playwrights East, and is on the board of the East Anglian Music Trust. Ivan will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. Pre reception event: Wednesday, 27 October 2004, 1800 – 1815 hours.

DOMINIC BARKER TRUST:

The Dominic Barker Trust, a charity colloquially known as 'Dom's Fund', was set up in 1997 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 has funded research at Suffolk College. The Dominic Barker Research centre at Suffolk College had three clear aims: to undertake research into stammering; to disseminate the findings to a local and global audience and to provide a local resource for speech & language therapists and people who stammer. The Trust will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law and will be the first Trust of its kind to receive an honorary degree from UEA. Eleanor Barker, Dominic's sister, will receive the award on behalf of the Trust. Pre reception event: Thursday, 28 October 2004, 1430 – 1445 hours.

HELEN FRASER:

Helen Fraser’s home has been in Suffolk for more than 35 years, and is well known to Wolsey Theatre-goers where she was a regular performer during the 1980’s. She started her showbiz career at the age of nine, and went on to London's RADA before working in theatre. Her films include: Repulsion; Start the Revolution Without Me; The Birthday Party and The Uncle. Her starring roles include: Bad Girls, in which she plays Sylvia (‘Bodybag’) Hollamby – the prison warder from hell, Billy Liar and Northanger Abbey and TV appearances include: One Foot in the Grave; In Loving Memory; Tales of the Unexpected; Rising Damp; On the Buses; Doctor in the House; Coronation Street and The Uninvited. Helen will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law. Pre reception event: Thursday, 28 October 2004, 1800 – 1815 hours.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

If you would like to attend any of the Pre reception events please notify:

Tracey Bailey, Promotions & Information Centre manager

Tel: 01473 296520

Email: traceybailey@suffolk.ac.uk

Issued by Promotions

21 October 2004.