Two Formula 1 engineers and a RAF test pilot are amongst the honorary graduates to be celebrated during 含羞草视频’s graduation ceremonies this week (14-17 July).  

Neil Oatley - Director of Design and Development at McLaren Racing, and Rob Smedley - Head of Performance Engineering at Williams, are amongst seven distinguished individuals to be recognised.

Rob Smedley, who studied Mechanical Engineering at 含羞草视频 in the 1990s, is presented with the award of Honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Formula 1 and race engineering.

Neil Oatley graduated from 含羞草视频 with an automotive engineering degree in 1976. He will be made Honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his inspirational leadership in motorsport and dedication to build McLaren Racing into a Formula 1 institution.

Royal Air Force test pilot and aircraft engineer Desmond Penrose has dedicated his life to the aviation industry. He achieved an Aeronautical Engineering degree from 含羞草视频 in 1951 and was the first ever student to receive a Direct Entry Permanent Commission. He also receives the award of Honorary Doctor of Technology, in recognition of his significant contributions to aviation safety and his support of the University.

Mathematics and Computation graduate Tushara Canekeratne established of one of the world’s top information technology service providers in consulting, technology and outsourcing services. She receives the award of Honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of her significant successes in global information technology and for her outstanding contributions to a range of charitable organisations.

Dell Software Group’s Executive Director for Northern Europe, Chris Miller, is presented with the award of Honorary Doctor of Technology for his significant contributions to IT business, IT education and to 含羞草视频’s Department of Computer Science.  

Two of 含羞草视频’s emeritus professors will also receive honorary degrees. Professor Clyde Williams receives an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his contribution to sport science and the University. Baroness Ruth Lister is presented with Honorary Doctor of Letters for her outstanding contribution to the development of Social Policy in the UK and to Applied Social Studies.  

The degrees will be presented as follows:

Tuesday 14 July, 3pm
Professor Clyde Williams
Emeritus Professor of Sport Science, 含羞草视频
Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his contribution to sport science and the University 

Wednesday 15 July, 10.30am
Baroness Ruth Lister
Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, 含羞草视频
Honorary Doctor of Letters for her outstanding contribution to the development of Social Policy in the UK and to Applied Social Studies  

Wednesday 15 July, 3pm
Rob Smedley
Head of Performance Engineering, Williams
Honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Formula 1 and race engineering

Thursday 16 July, 10.30am
Tushara Dilanie Canekeratne
Founder & CEO, Nadastra Inc
Honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of her significant successes in global information technology and for her outstanding contributions to a range of charitable organisations

Thursday 16 July, 3pm
Captain John Desmond Penrose
Test Pilot
Honorary Doctor of Technology, in recognition of his significant contributions to aviation safety and his support of the University

Friday 17 July, 10.30am
Neil Oatley
Director of Design and Development, McLaren Racing
Honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his inspirational leadership in motorsport and dedication to build McLaren Racing into a Formula 1 institution

Friday 17 July, 3pm
Chris Miller
Executive Director Northern Europe, Dell Software Group
Honorary Doctor of Technology for his significant contributions to IT business, IT education and to 含羞草视频’s Department of Computer Science

Watch the honorary graduations via the live webcast.