Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Caroline Criado-Perez and Sidney McFarlane Honoured by the University of Lincoln
9 September 2021
Written by: Tim Marks
The UK’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, a bestselling author and campaigner, and a Windrush military veteran are some of the notable names who will be receiving honorary degrees alongside hundreds of graduating students next week. Professor Jonathan Van-Tam will be awarded a Doctor of Science by the University of Lincoln, UK, in recognition of his […]
The UK’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, a bestselling author and campaigner, and a Windrush military veteran are some of the notable names who will be receiving honorary degrees alongside hundreds of graduating students next week.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam will be awarded a Doctor of Science by the University of Lincoln, UK, in recognition of his contribution to public health. Hailing from Boston in Lincolnshire, Professor Van Tam was appointed to the role of Deputy Chief Medical Officer in 2017 and has played a vital role in the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Award-winning author and campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez will receive a Doctor of Laws alongside students from the University’s College of Social Science. As founder of the Women’s Room project, Caroline has campaigned for the increase of female experts in the media and was instrumental in influencing the Bank of England to feature a female public figure on a banknote, with Jane Austen appearing on £10 notes from 2017.
Also being honoured will be Royal Air Force veteran and well-known Lincolnshire resident Sidney McFarlane, who will receive the award Doctor of the University. Part of the Windrush generation, Sidney was one of thousands of Carribeans who answered the ‘Mother Country’s’ call for assistance after World War II and went on to have an illustrious 30-year career with the RAF.
Further honorary degrees will be awarded to Jeff James, CEO and Keeper of the National Archives, responsible for the integrity of the UK’s public record system; Smita Jamdar, a leading legal expert in the field of education and Partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau; and business executive Bryan Carr, Chair of world-leading engineering and manufacturing company Castlet.
Graduation ceremonies will be held over four days from 6th-9th September 2021 at Lincoln Cathedral. Graduands and their guests can then enjoy a celebration in the beautiful grounds of Lincoln Castle.
Vice Chancellor Professor Mary Stuart, said: “Graduation is the highlight of the academic year and it will be an honour to welcome our distinguished guests who have all made outstanding contributions to society and their respective fields.
“We are immensely proud of each and every one of our graduating students and we can’t wait to celebrate their achievements together with their family and friends in the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral.”