Published on 27 November 2019
Almost 2,000 students, friends and family will be celebrating as the University of Sunderland winter Academic Awards take place at the Stadium of Light.
On Thursday and Friday, almost 600 students will graduate as they say farewell to University life and prepare to take their next life step.
Over the next 48 hours, students from the Faculty of Creative Industries will graduate, alongside the Faculty of Health, Sciences and Wellbeing; the Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism; students from our London campus, as well as the Faculty of Education and Society.
Among those receiving Honorary Fellowships at this year’s Awards are the UK’s former Paralympian poster boy Josef Craig.
Josef is one of the North East’s most celebrated athletes after he became Team GB’s youngest gold medal winner at the London 2012 games. He will also be recognised for his work in promoting mental health support.
During Friday’s ceremony, Sunderland City Council Public Health pioneer Jackie Nixon will follow Josef in receiving an Honorary Fellowship.
During her 12 year career in Public Health in Sunderland, Jackie has worked on projects including Delivering Race Equality within Mental Health, NHS Health Checks, Suicide Prevention, tackling homelessness, and creating smoke-free parks.
Another recipient with close ties to the University is Colin Ranshaw who will receive an Alumni Fellowship on Friday.
Colin arrived as an undergraduate to study Pharmacy in 1971. After graduating his career moved on at a rapid pace along with his involvement within the profession.
Over the years, Colin has held a range of senior posts in the NHS and pharmacy - from founding Chairman of the RPSGB Welsh Executive, to Chairman of the British Pharmaceutical Conference.