University set to honour some of city’s finest

A founder of an addiction recovery charity will be among those receiving University of Derby honorary degrees this week.

Thousands of graduates, guests and VIPs are expected to attend the university’s graduation ceremonies, which will take place from Wednesday 16 November to Friday 18 November at Derby Arena.

Among those being honoured will be notable people with a strong connection to the university or the city.

The recipients will be Jaz Rai OBE, founder and chair of the Sikh Recovery Network, Ferid Kevric, project and centre manager of the Derby Bosnia Herzegovina Centre, Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB FREng, senior RAF officer and engineer, Stephen Layton MBE, Derby-born conductor, founder and director of Polyphony, one of the world’s leading choirs and Jane Ide OBE, the Derbyshire-based chief executive of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Graduation is such an important milestone for our students, their families and guests.

“It is the culmination of years of hard work and provides an opportunity for our students to reflect on what they have achieved and celebrate the efforts they have put into their studies during their time at university.

“It is also an opportunity to recognise and thank those who have helped contribute to our university, city and county, through the awarding of honorary degrees.

“The positive impact that this year’s honorands have made is significant, so we are delighted to be able to acknowledge that.

“Congratulations to everyone that will be graduating; we cannot wait to celebrate with you.”