Gethin Jones and Sarah Burton receive honorary degrees

TELEVISION star Gethin Jones and fashion designer Sarah Burton received their honorary doctorates from Manchester Metropolitan University, yesterday.

Gethin, who graduated from MMU with a degree in Geography in 1999, received his doctorate from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and joked that he had already been instructing his parents, Goronwy and Sylvia, to call him “Doctor Jones”.

He told students that he never expected to become as successful as he had done, and that the most exciting times of their lives were ahead of them.

After receiving the honour, Gethn took time out to congratulate his fellow graduates.

Passion and ambition

Sarah, who is creative director of Alexander McQueen and created Kate Middleton’s dress for her wedding to Prince William, urged students from the University’s Hollings Faculty to follow their passions and ambitions.

She completed her foundation year at Manchester School of Art before going on to St Martin’s College, in London.

After the ceremony, she said: “This award is incredibly special as the school holds a special place in my heart. Thank you to Manchester Metropolitan University for recognizing my achievements and for awarding me with an Honorary Degree.”

Filmmaker Mike Leigh will receive an honorary doctorate from MMU Cheshire today, Friday 13 July. Lord Peter Smith of Leigh, Richard Thorpe, Rod Aldridge and Martin Narey are also set to receive the honour over the next few days.

Guy Garvey

Elbow frontman Guy Garvey was awarded with a doctorate by the Faculty of Art and Design on Wednesday, and dedicated the honour to his band and his “sweetheart and best friend”, Emma Unsworth.

The honorands were joined by around 9,000 students who graduated over six days.