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Monday 24 July 2006

Distinguished careers are honoured at Nottingham Trent University

One of the world’s leading authorities in cancer research; a co-founder of Graduate Fashion Week – which promotes the cream of new British design talent; a campaigning journalist who has helped advance the rights of disabled people; and a leading light in the world of radio and journalism will all be recognised at Nottingham Trent University’s graduation ceremonies this year.

The four distinguished figures – Professor Robert Baldwin, Vanessa Denza, Peter White and Chris Hughes – will be receiving their honorary degrees for their distinctive achievements regionally, nationally and internationally, and as a reflection of the university’s flourishing links with the wider community.

Professor Robert Baldwin receives the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc).

Formerly Professor of Tumour Biology at the University of Nottingham, Professor Baldwin is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to science, particularly in the area of cancer research, and for his role as an ambassador for scientific endeavour in Nottingham and the UK as a whole.

From his Nottingham laboratories, Professor Baldwin undertook pioneering work in cancer immunology during an eminent career spanning more than 50 years. He holds a lifelong Cancer Research Campaign Gibbs Fellowship - awarded to very few scientists - and was founder editor of Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, considered by many to be the leading journal in the field.

Deeply involved in design education for the last 35 years, Vanessa Denza receives the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Design (DDes) in recognition of the enormous support she has given to fashion, textiles and business graduates throughout her career, including Nottingham Trent University.

Having trained in Paris, Italy, New York and London, Vanessa became the buyer for the 21 Shop in Woollands, London - the fashion forward young boutique of the 60s. Her efforts to develop the design talent of the time helped launch the careers of leading names such as Foale Tuffin, Mary Quant, Jean Muir, Ossie Clark and Alice Pollock. She currently runs her own business, Denza International Ltd.

In 1989 Vanessa co-founded Graduate Fashion Week, which brings together the cream of new British design talent and attracts worldwide attention to the country’s role as a hotbed of creativity. Vanessa received the MBE in 2004 for her outstanding contribution to the British fashion industry.

Peter White is receiving the Honorary Degree of Master of Arts. Well known as the BBC’s Disability Affairs Correspondent, Peter has been blind since birth and became the first totally blind person to produce reports for TV news.

For over 30 years he has represented and articulated the struggles of disabled people. His work to highlight the causes and effects of the ‘disabling’ society has been hugely influential for Nottingham Trent University students. His autobiography, ‘See It My Way’, was published in 1999.

Chris Hughes, who has played a vital role in developing a centre for excellence in journalism training at the university, receives the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt).

The award recognises his lifelong contribution to radio and journalism; his commitment to community development in the East Midlands; and his support for the development of journalism training and education at Nottingham Trent University.

Chris started his career as a producer and presenter with the BBC. He came to Nottingham in 1980 as Programme Controller at Radio Trent and became Managing Director nine years later. Under his jurisdiction, Radio Trent was in the vanguard of commercial radio’s rapid development in the UK and helped make the East Midlands operation the most successful within the GWR Group, then the country’s largest pure radio group.

Taking on a group-wide role, Chris became Business Development Director at GWR in 2002. Then, when GWR merged with the Capital Radio Group last year, he continued in a similar strategic development role and now shares his time between Nottingham and London.

He also works extensively with organisations within the East Midlands to promote the region, foster sustainable business growth and deliver greater access to training and career opportunities.

Nottingham Trent University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Gorman, said: "These awards aim to celebrate the university's links with the wider community and recognise distinctive achievements regionally, nationally and internationally. I am delighted that such distinguished figures will be part of this year's award ceremonies."