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TV chef to receive honorary degree from Beds Uni

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TV chef to receive honorary degree from Beds Uni

5 Sep 2007 09:15:58

Jean Christophe Novelli

Celebrity chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, will be among those receiving honorary awards at the University of Bedfordshire’s annual graduation ceremonies which get under way this week.

The Frenchman, who opened his first British Gastro pub in Harpenden in 2006, will be honoured for his achievements in the culinary arts and in the broadcast industry, where he has carved out a hugely successful career as one of the UK’s favourite TV chefs.

He will be presented with an Honorary Doctor of Arts tomorrow afternoon (5 September) at a special ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Luton, where hundreds of students from the Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science will also receive their degrees.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon said: “We’re delighted to recognise the achievements of all our honourands. We are especially pleased to acknowledge Jean Christophe’s huge success as a chef and as a broadcaster, particularly as he lives locally. I’m sure he will make it a very memorable day for the many students receiving their degrees and inspire them as embark on their new careers. I wish all our graduates the very best for the future whether they enter the world of work or stay on to study at postgraduate level.”

Actress and comedienne, Kate Robbins, will also receive an honorary award at the morning ceremony on 5 September (10.30am). Kate was the voice behind many of the puppets on the TV programme Spitting Image, as well as starring in her own spin-off series, The Kate Robbins Show, and appearing in The Impressionable Jon Culshaw sketch show.

More than 1,900 students from the Luton campus will receive their degrees in a series of ceremonies which kick off on Tuesday 4 September with a civic ceremony from the Town Hall.

The procession, which has become a focal point for celebration in the town, will be led by the University of Bedfordshire Pipe Band – their first public appearance since they were crowned World Champions in Scotland just two weeks ago.

Other honorary awards will be presented throughout the week to:

  • Mr Geoff Lambert – in recognition of his service to the Board of Governors, and his contribution to the development of the University (Tuesday 4 September at 2pm)
  • Mr Ahmed Versi – in recognition of his achievements as editor of The Muslim News (Wednesday 5 September at 10.30am)
  • Mr David Kogan – in recognition of his achievements in international broadcasting, his work for the Broadcasting and Creative Industries Disability Network, and his contribution as a member of the University’s Board of Governors (Wednesday 5 September 10.30am)
  • Ms Sue Hendrick – in recognition of her contribution to the regeneration of Luton and the surrounding area (Wednesday 5 September at 2pm)
  • Reverend Howard Thornton – for his contribution to inter-faith co-operation at the University as a former Chaplain (Thursday 6 September at 2pm)
  • Dr David Hall - in recognition of his contribution to innovation and creativity in the business world (Friday 7 September at 10.30am)

For more details about Graduation Week at the University of Bedfordshire call 01582 743826.

Bedfordshire University

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