Brenda Blethyn among eight to be honoured in Sunderland

BAFTA-winning Brenda Blethyn OBE is among eight people being honoured by The University of Sunderland.

The university will give honorary awards from July 10th to 14th at their annual Graduation Ceremonies. They will be joined by almost 3,000 graduates receiving awards from University Chancellor Steve Cram CBE, ITV Evening News presenter Alastair Stewart, and Chairman of the Leighton Group Paul Callaghan CBE.

Approximately 12,000 people are expected to attend the Academic Awards at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, which are estimated to bring £1m annually to the region.

A full list of all honoraries and their awards are as follow:

Brenda Blethyn OBE – Friday, 14 JulyBAFTA winning, Oscar-nominated actress, known for Secrets & Lies, Atonement, Little Voice and North East-based drama, Vera.

Honorary Doctorate of Arts, in recognition of her outstanding acting career in film, television and the theatre.

Ken Bremner – Tuesday, 11 July

CEO, City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

Honorary Fellowship, in recognition of over 35 years of service to the NHS in the North East.

Paul Callaghan CBE, DL, FRSA – Friday, 14 July

Chairman, The Leighton Group.

Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration, in recognition of his longstanding association with the University, his commitment to Sunderland and its culture, and to the global IT business community.

Gary Fildes – Thursday, 13 July

Director, Kielder Observatory

Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to making astronomy and space science accessible to a wider audience.

Felicity Finch – Monday, 10 July

Actress, best known for playing Ruth Archer in Radio 4’s The Archers.

Honorary Doctorate of Arts, in recognition of her outstanding career as an actor, radio presenter and reporter.

Heidi Mottram OBE – Wednesday, 12 July

CEO, Northumbrian Water Group

Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the business community in the North East, and supporting diversity within the field of engineering and environmental sustainability.

Dr Andrew Singleton – Tuesday, 11 July

Chief of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics in the National Institute of Aging, USA.

Honorary Doctorate of Science, in recognition of his pioneering work in the understanding of neurological health disorders.

Lesley Spuhler OBE – Friday, 14 July

Chief Executive Officer, Foundation of Light

Honorary Fellowship, in recognition of her outstanding support for North East charities, in particular the Foundation of Light.

University Vice-Chancellor Shirley Atkinson commented: