York St John to honour inspirational figures in journalism, social justice and business

A charity campaigner, life peer, journalist and a successful businessman will be honoured by York St John University at their graduation ceremonies later in the year.

The honorary graduands will be joined by hundreds of students to celebrate the end of their degree courses in special ceremonies at York Minster in November.

Camila Batmanghelidjh CBE, charity leader and business woman, will receive an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to counselling for young people. Camila, a psychotherapist by background, is one of Britain’s most progressive thinkers on the psychological and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.

Lord Indarjit Singh is widely regarded as the religious and secular voice of British Sikhs and is being awarded for his contribution to British life and input in working for cohesion and understanding between different religious and cultural communities. He is a founder member of the Inter Faith Network UK and was its first elected Chair.
Lord Singh also works in broadcasting and journalism with articles published in the Times, Guardian and Independent plus he has contributed to the Thought For The Day on BBC Radio 4 for 30 years.

Sir Ian Gibson CBE is being recognised for his influence in the world of business. He is currently Chairman of Morrisons, a position he has held since 2008. Sir Ian enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career in the motor industry, most recently as President of Nissan Europe. His previous appointments include Chairman of Trinity Mirror and BPB Plc, a member of the Court of the Bank of England, Deputy Chairman of Asda Group Plc, and Non-executive Director of Greggs Plc and Northern Rock Plc.

Will Hutton will receive an honorary degree for his services to higher education. Mr Hutton is chair of the Independent Fees Commission, established to investigate the impact of £9,000 annual fees on applications, offers and acceptances at English universities. He has worked on BBC radio and TV, including as economics correspondent for Newsnight and continues to write a column for the Observer and occasionally for the Financial Times. He is currently Principal of Hertford College Oxford and chairs the charity the Big Innovation Centre, and is a director of the Scott Trust.

Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor of York St John University, said: “We are delighted to be awarding these honorary degrees as part of our Graduation celebrations. Graduation is a rewarding time for our students, the culmination of years of hard work, and the honorary graduands add to the occasion with their inspirational stories and successes in their respective fields.”

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