September 1, 2014 9.30 am This story is over 123 months old

University of Lincoln students will be joined by Oscar winner at graduation

Downton Abbey writer to get honorary degree: Thousands of University of Lincoln students will be joined by famous names and faces when they graduate this September.
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Thousands of University of Lincoln students will be joined by famous names and faces when they graduate this September.

The graduation will see almost 3,500 students collect their degrees in 11 graduation ceremonies at Lincoln Cathedral. The ceremonies will take place from Monday 8- Thursday 11 September at 10:30am, 2:30pm and 7:30pm.

An Oscar winner, a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist, a world record-breaking singer and a leading legal commentator have been invited to accept honorary degrees in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their fields.

Julian Fellowes, who won an Oscar for ‘Best screenplay written directly for the screen’ for the film Gosford Park, will collect an Honorary Doctorate of Arts.

Another feat includes being a writer on the critically acclaimed ITV series Downton Abbey. Downton won six Emmy Awards, including Best Writer, as well as a Golden Globe and the prize for Best Drama at the National Television Awards.

Also collecting honorary degrees are Dame Stephanie Shirley, one of the country’s most celebrated entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Andrea Spyropoulos, the President of the Royal College of Nursing, Barbara Dickson OBE, Scotland’s best-selling female album singer and Joshua Rozenberg, the acclaimed legal commentator and journalist.

University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor, Professor Mary Stuart, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our students’ achievements, and Lincoln Cathedral provides a truly remarkable setting in which to do so. Graduation represents an opportunity to reflect on years of hard work and dedication, and look forward to many exciting times ahead.”

Among the undergraduate students attending the ceremonies will be national cheerleading champion Kirstie Hudson, who graduates from the Lincoln Business School before taking up a role at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Also Emma Everitt, who graduates with a Journalism degree having already secured a coveted position reporting on one of the biggest football clubs in the world, at Manchester United TV (MUTV).