Two Honorary Doctorates and six Honorary Fellowships were bestowed during the graduation ceremonies
Eight distinguished people have been rewarded for their endeavours with Honorary Awards from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Honorary Doctorates were conferred on Sheena Byrom OBE and Patrick Holden while Honorary Fellowships were bestowed on Charles Hadcock, Stephanie Slater MBE, Ann Turner, Kevin McGee, Barry Cunningham OBE and Enrique Pardo.
They joined more than 3,500 students during this year's prestigious Degree and Award ceremonies held over five days at Preston’s Guild Hall.
Lancastrian Sheena Byrom OBE received her award to acknowledge the significant contribution she has made to the development of the midwifery profession at local, national and international levels. She became one of the UK’s first consultant midwives and she has led the development of three birth centres. Her midwifery memoirs turned into a Sunday Times bestseller and she runs an online hub for midwives and maternity workers. Sheena was awarded an OBE in 2011 and is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Midwives.
Patrick Holden was recognised for his academic achievements in law and the significant contribution he has made to the Moses Holden Scholarship Fund. During his distinguished career has worked in law, international marketing and the British Army. He now runs three property, insurance and investment businesses and is acknowledged as a dog training and behaviour expert. He funds an astrophysics bursary to honour his three times great grandfather who was involved in the creation of the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, now UCLan.
Charles Hadcock was acknowledged for the significant contribution he has made to the world of fine art throughout his successful career as a sculptor. Specialising in large-scale, cast metal pieces, he has produced sculpture for public spaces and private organisations for the past 25 years. He is a pioneer of sustainable energy and established Creative Lancashire. He owns a specialist printing company and has been a Lancashire Arts Festival Awards judge. In 2007, Charles became a lifetime recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion.
Prestonian Stephanie Slater MBE was recognised for the significant contribution she has made to the world of sport through her successful swimming career. She represented Great Britain in 2009 and joined the British Swimming Intensive Training Centre. After a serious arm injury, she classified as a Paralympic swimmer. The World and European record holder went on to win gold and silver medals at the Paralympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. She was awarded an MBE for her services to sport and has now retired.
Retired college principal Ann Turner received her award to acknowledge the significant contribution she has made to the partnership between Myerscough College and the University through her strong leadership and significant development of Higher Education provision at the College. After gaining financial management qualifications, Ann was appointed Director of Finance at Myerscough. In 2006, she became the College’s Chief Executive and Principal. Her work to develop higher education provision with UCLan led to Myerscough being awarded Associate School status.
Chief Executive Kevin McGee was acknowledged for the significant contribution he has made to the development of the University’s School of Medicine through the instrumental strategic support he has provided to our partnership with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT). During his career, Kevin has excelled as a Director of Finance, Chief Executive of an acute hospital, and Chief Executive of two Teaching Primary Care Trusts. As ELHT Chief Executive, he has supported UCLan to become the key provider of healthcare graduates for the region.
Barry Cunningham OBE was recognised for the significant contribution he has made to the publishing industry and his ongoing support to the University, particularly in relation to the MA Publishing programme. While at Penguin Books, he worked with some of the biggest names in literature, including Roald Dahl. He took a top job in the Children’s Division at Bloomsbury Publishing and signed up JK Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Barry was awarded an OBE in 2010 and acts as an external consultant on UCLan’s MA in Publishing.
Enrique Pardo received his award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made both in practice and through his cultural and psychological studies to the international field of contemporary theatre performance. For the past 40 years, the globally celebrated theatre director, performer and painter has excelled in his chosen genre. Since 2005, UCLan’s performing arts students have participated in professional collaborations, training and cultural studies hosted by the Paris-based Pantheatre, of which Enrique is a co-founder and director.
Banner image shows:
Top row, l-r, Sheena Byrom OBE, Patrick Holden, Charles Hadcock and Stephanie Slater MBE
Bottom row, l-r, Ann Turner, Kevin McGee, Barry Cunningham OBE and Enrique Pardo