Honorary Graduates 2009

Eva Schloss

The step-sister of famous war diarist Anne Frank, has spent her life spreading a message of tolerance. Eva, whose mother married Anne Frank's father after the war, went into hiding with her family for two years before being captured and sent to Auschwitz. She is a founder member of the Anne Frank Educational Trust. Eva regularly visits schools, universities and other institutions to talk about her experiences during the Holocaust. Eva’s Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education is in recognition of her contribution to education through the Anne Frank Educational Trust.

Tanya Barron

Entered Higher Education as a mature student in 1982, graduating with a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Westminster. Early in her career Tanya worked for the Voluntary Services Overseas before becoming Head of Programmes at EveryChild, an international charity committed to protecting rights of the world's most vulnerable children. From 1994-2004 Tanya worked as the first Director of Home-Start International, and chaired the UNICEF NGO Committee in Geneva. In 2003 she was awarded the honour of European Woman of Achievement and in 2004 was appointed Director of Leonard Cheshire International. She has worked closely with York St John University to provide opportunities for student placements across the world. Tanya’s Honorary Degree of Doctor of Health Sciences is in recognition of her distinguished career and work in promoting the welfare of families of people with disability, especially in the international context.

Andrew Dunn

An actor who was born in Leeds and now lives in York. He studied Drama at Bretton Hall College, Wakefield. He spent much of the 1980's with the Hull Truck Theatre company. His television career has included 55 Degrees North, Dinner Ladies, Coronation Street and the Rory Bremner Show. In 2004 Andrew was joined by his partner and child, who are also actors, in the York Theatre Royal production of Brassed Off. Andrew’s Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters is in recognition of his career as an actor in film and television and in recognition of his contribution to theatre in York and the region.

Peter Randall-Page

A sculptor of international standing, whose work is exhibited all over the world, including Japan, South Korea, USA, Ireland and Germany, as well as throughout the UK. His work is held in both private and public collections, including the Tate Gallery and the British Museum. Peter has also made a significant contribution to the teaching of sculpture at a number of universities and colleges in the UK and abroad.
His work is informed by a wide and diverse range of interests, including a passion for science, geometry and mathematics; balanced by a fascination for the natural world. Peter’s Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters is in recognition of his major contribution to the visual arts.