What do world-renowned TV news correspondents, feted authors and prominent scientists all have in common?
They are all about to graduate from Essex University.
The honorary degrees will be awarded to a host of famous faces, in recognition of people who have made a difference.
BBC correspondents Orla Guerin, recognised for her coverage of the Middle East conflict, and John Simpson, in his current post as World Affairs Editor, will both come to the Wivenhoe campus for the presentation ceremonies this summer and next spring.
Former student and Booker prize winning author Ben Okri, of The Famished Road fame, will also be in attendence, alongside Suffolk author Ronald Blythe, who produced Akenfield, a fictional study of life in between the World Wars based in the Suffolk/Essex borders.
Chairman of the University of Essex Foundation and former Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Rev John Waine, has been listed for the honour, with scientists Prof George Brown, OBE, Sir John Sulston, and human rights worker Ian Martin.
"They are all regarded very highly in their field and we are proud to recognise their achievements," said a university spokeswoman.
The famous faces will be appearing on campus to receive their honorary degrees on July 11 and 12 and April 3 next year.
Published Monday, March 18, 2002
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