WHAT connects the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, a singer-songwriter, a romantic novelist and a Formula 1 racing engineer?
Answer – they all received honorary degrees from Teesside University in the same ceremony yesterday.
Dr John, who is archbishop for the area in which Teesside University is located, said education was a major driving force for change. “If a university is committed to higher learning and giving people confidence it will always lift an area”, he said, as he was made a Doctor of Law. He was honoured alongside singer-songwriter Paul Rodgers, Formula 1 racing engineer Rob Smedley, romantic novelist Adele Parks and businessman Trevor Arnold.
Rob Smedley, originally from Normanby in Middlesbrough is widely regarded as one of the most respected engineers in Formula 1 motor racing. He was made a Doctor of Professional Studies.
Founder and lead songwriter of the bands Free, Bad Company and The Firm, Paul Rodgers has just spent the past four years touring with Queen in front of crowds topping 360,000. He was made a Doctor of Letters.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here