Award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo, OBE is to be honoured by Bishop Grosseteste University at a graduation ceremony later this month.

The author of War Horse will receive an honorary doctorate of the university at one of three graduation ceremonies which will take place at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 17th July.

Other honorary awards will be given to Dame Clare Tickell DBE, Chief Executive of Action for Children and author of a recent review of early years education in the UK, and to Karen Lowthrop MBE, CEO of environmental social enterprise Hill Holt Wood near Lincoln.

Dame Clare Tickell will receive an honorary doctorate at 10:15am on 17th July. Michael Morpurgo’s award will be given at 2:30pm and Karen Lowthrop will given an honorary doctorate at 7:15pm.

A record total of 870 students will graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University at the ceremonies this year.

“At our first graduation ceremonies as a university we will be pleased to recognise the achievements of three people who are excellent role models for our own graduating students,” said the Reverend Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University.

“Michael Morpurgo is celebrated for his contribution to children’s literature and for his work setting up Farms for City Children.

“Dame Clare Tickell DBE has made a significant contribution to our understanding of early childhood, particularly through her work as Chief Executive of Action for Children and her invaluable review of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

“Closer to home, Karen Lowthrop has made both a national and a local contribution to education in its broadest sense through her pioneering work at Hill Holt Wood.

“These are all people whose careers have exemplified a real commitment to education for all ages and we will be proud to share another special day for Bishop Grosseteste University with them later this month.”

Members of the media are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend please contact Jez Ashberry at Shooting Star PR on 01522 528540 or 07780 735071 or email jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk.


5th July 2013