Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Hundreds of York St John University students will be celebrating their graduation alongside some inspirational honorary graduates in York Minster between 14 and 16 November 2012.

Honorary Degrees will be presented at the graduation ceremonies in York Minster by York St John’s Chancellor, Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, and the University's Vice Chancellor, Professor David Fleming, in front of an audience of graduands, their families and friends, and staff and guests of the University.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor David Fleming, said: “Graduation is a wonderful time for students to celebrate their achievements. We always strive to inspire our graduates and are delighted to be awarding honorary degrees to six exceptional individuals, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Ian McMillan, Glynn Ryland, Julia Unwin, Sandi Toksvig and Dr Elizabeth White. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to honour and celebrate the contributions made to society by each of these remarkable people and I’m certain that our graduates will be hugely inspired by all of their accomplishments.”

The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws, alongside the Universities Education and Theology graduates on Thursday 15 November, in recognition of his incredible contribution to society. Known around the world as a greatly respected anti-apartheid activist, peace campaigner and champion of reconciliation, Archbishop Tutu, who recently celebrated his 81st birthday, has been described as ‘South Africa’s moral conscience’. He was first black South African Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa. Having risen to worldwide fame in the 1980s as a central figure in South Africa’s fight against apartheid, he has used his high profile to campaign and fight numerous causes including AIDS, tuberculosis, poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia.

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