Graduation honours for local heroes George ‘Johnny’ Johnson and the Cowley brothers

Thousands of students will celebrate years of hard work and achievement when they graduate alongside Lincolnshire heroes at Lincoln Cathedral next week.

Ceremonies will include special awards being given to Lincolnshire heroes, with Bomber Command veteran George ‘Johnny’ Johnson MBE DFM being given the award of Honorary Doctor of the university and Lincoln City FC’s Danny and Nicky Cowley being given the Chancellor’s Medal.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The University of Lincoln will hold 11 graduation ceremonies, with around 3,000 students collecting their degree certificates, from Monday, September 4 – Thursday, September 7.

The ceremonies will celebrate the achievements of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, and will also honour the major contribution made to society by honorary guests.

George “Johnny” Johnson, 95 during a return visit to RAF Scampton.

Bomber Command veteran George ‘Johnny’ Johnson MBE DFM – the last remaining British survivor of Operation Chastise, the famous World War II Dam Busters raid which flew from RAF Scampton in May 1943, will be awarded the prestigious award of Honorary Doctor of the university.

This will be in recognition and appreciation of his enormous contribution to British society.

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, said: “It is an enormous honour to be joined by Johnny Johnson MBE at our graduation celebrations. I can’t think of anyone more inspiring for our students to graduate alongside.”

Danny and Nick Cowley helped bring the Imps their famous promotion. Photo: Graham Burrell

Joining Johnny as recipients of honorary awards from the University of Lincoln will be Danny and Nicky Cowley, Manager and Assistant Manager of Lincoln City FC.

During the 2016/17 season, the brothers led the side through one of its most successful and memorable years ever – making history as the first non-league team to make the FA Cup quarter-finals in more than 100 years.

Danny and Nicky Cowley Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Danny and Nicky Cowley will both receive the Chancellor’s Medal from the University of Lincoln, in recognition of their success and contribution to the city of Lincoln.

Danny Cowley said: “Myself and Nicky are very privileged to receive the Chancellor’s Medal. Since we’ve arrived at the club it’s been a pleasure to work closely with the University of Lincoln’s lecturers and students.”