INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED singer and human rights activist Annie Lennox and double-Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott are among seven people due to be presented with honorary degrees by the University of Essex later this summer.
The group of distinguished individuals, announced yesterday, also includes Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson and investigative journalist Paul Lewis, as well as Sir Keith Mills, who was international president and CEO of London 2012 and a key figure in the successful delivery of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
One of the UK’s most eminent social statisticians Professor Denise Lievesley and advertising guru James Murphy make up the impressive list.
University of Essex deputy vice-chancellor Professor Jules Pretty, said: “Honorary graduands are selected for their awards because of their close links either to the county or to disciplines and departments within which the University of Essex excels.
“From human rights and law to sports science and entrepreneurship, the University of Essex has an excellent reputation in a wide range of subjects and this year’s distinguished group of honorary graduands complement the university’s excellence.”
Ms Lennox, will be receiving an honorary degree in recognition of her work in political and social activism and her extensive campaigning for humanitarian causes.
Alongside a highly successful singing career, she is an ambassador for Oxfam and Amnesty International, as well as a special envoy for Scottish Parliament. Ms Lennox also received the Woman of Peace Award in 2009 and in 2011 was awarded an OBE in recognition of her humanitarian work.
Harlow-born Ms Trott has been chosen because of her inspirational performances at the last year s Olympic Games and her fight against asthma in childhood.
“We look forward to all of them joining our graduation celebrations in July, when there will be more than 2,900 students graduating and 7,000 guests attending,” added Mr Pretty.