Honorary degrees awarded at Warwick this week

This week the University of Warwick is awarding five people with honorary degrees at its winter ceremonies.

The Warwick website states “The University awards honorary degrees to individuals of high intellectual or cultural distinction or those who have served the University or the community“.

Those being honoured are:

Dame Stella Rimington – former director of MI5

Dame Stella Rimington started part time work for the Security Service (MI5) in 1967. During her career there she was successively Director of Counter Subversion, Counter Espionage and Counter Terrorism before becoming Director General. She was the first woman to hold the post and the first DG to be publicly named on appointment. She is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Anne Wood – children’s television producer (co-creator of Teletubbies)

Anne Wood is the founder of Ragdoll Productions, the company who produced the phenomenally successful BAFTA winning Teletubbies; double BAFTA winning In the Night Garden; superhero Brum; ragdolls Rosie and Jim; BAFTA winning Dipdap, The Adventures of Abney & Teal, and Open a Door. Many of its shows have a close association with Warwickshire and the Midlands. She is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.

Professor Jill Lepore – historian and author

Jill Lepore is a prize-winning Professor of American History at Harvard University and regular contributor to The New Yorker, who wrote The Secret History of Wonderwoman in 1941. She is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.

Professor Dusa McDuff – mathematician

Dusa McDuff is a Professor of Mathematics at Barnard College. A former member of the teaching staff at the University of Warwick, Professor McDuff’s service to the mathematical community has been extensive. She is particularly interested in issues connected with the position of women in mathematics. She is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Mechai Viravaidya – development expert named by TIME Magazine as an ‘Asian Hero’.

Mechai Viravaidya has been creating and running innovative family planning and poverty reduction programs throughout Southeast Asia since 1974. His innovative methods of engagement have also been employed to tackle HIV/AIDS and the problem of rural poverty. He is receiving an Honorary Doctor of Law.

The honorary graduands will accept their honours at ceremonies running from Wednesday 18th – Friday 20th of January in the Butterworth Hall at Warwick Arts Centre.

Photos courtesy of Warwick Media Library.