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The achievements of six outstanding individuals will be recognised at Coventry University’s annual awards ceremonies in November at Coventry Cathedral.

All six have made a significant contribution to either education, science, community cohesion or business both nationally and internationally.

Also being honoured this year with an Honorary Life Fellowship is Lord Plumb of Coleshill, the University’s first Chancellor who retired last year. He will be receiving his award on Monday 17 November at 10am in Coventry Cathedral.

Details of the awards and when they are to be presented are as follows:

Douglas Chamberlain CBE– Tuesday 18 November at 11am

Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) in recognition of his work in cardiology and commitment to the establishment of paramedicine as an essential professional service throughout the NHS.  Professor Chamberlain is recognised internationally as a leader in this particular branch of medicine.

Sarah Tremellen – Wednesday 19 November at 11am

Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in recognition of her personal enterprise and entrepreneurial drive in the establishment of a highly successful, niche market fashion business. Sarah is the director of the successful “Bravissimo” – a company based in Leamington which specialises in lingerie for larger women.

Philip Oliver – Thursday 20 November at 2.30pm

Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in recognition of his leading contribution to the growth of the electronic games industry in the regional, national and international forum. Philip Oliver co-founded Blitz Games Studios in 1990 in Leamington with his twin brother Andrew Oliver; following nearly ten years of designing and writing many UK No.1 games including the hugely popular Dizzy series.

Responsible for the company's overall management and direction he also ensures, along with his brother, that the company maintains its ongoing reputation for producing high quality playable games for the mass market.

Andrew Oliver – Thursday 20 November at 2.30pm

Honorary Doctor of Technology (DTech) in recognition of his major contribution in technical aspects of the electronic games industry in the regional, national and international forum. Andrew Oliver is co-founder and co-owner of Blitz Games Studios in Leamington and took on the role of CTO when he and his twin brother Philip started the company in 1990, after 10 years of writing many popular games for the UK games market.

He is now responsible for all aspects of the company's cutting edge technology and game development direction as well as ensuring that the company's reputation for high quality standards and prompt delivery is maintained.
 

Kevin Warwick – Friday 21 November at 11am

 Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) in recognition of his pioneering work in the field of cybernetics, neuro-surgery and robotics. Born in Coventry Kevin is now Professor of Cybernetics at the University of Reading where he carries out research in artificial intelligence, control, robotics and biomedical engineering.

Darra Singh, OBE – Friday 21 November at 2.30pm

Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in recognition of his major contributions to community cohesion and social integration. Darra Singh became chief executive of Ealing Council in April 2005 after four years as chief executive at Luton. He has led Ealing Council's work to improve its services to tackle race hate crime and is a member of the awards panel on the Let's Kick Racism Out of Football campaign.

Commenting on the awards, Professor Madeleine Atkins, Vice Chancellor, said:

“We are delighted that our Honorary Graduands will be joining us at our award ceremonies at Coventry Cathedral. All of them have made a significant contribution to their areas of expertise. They have all made a mark in a way which improves the quality of life for many people and we are proud to be associated with them.

“I am particularly delighted that Lord Plumb is to receive an Honorary Life Fellowship. Honorary Fellowships are awarded to people in recognition of outstanding service to the University and Lord Plumb has served the University well as our first Chancellor. He has done an excellent job and I know that he will continue to take a keen interest in the University and the progress we are making."

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For further information, contact Alison Bushnell, External Press and Media Relations Officer, Coventry University, on 024 7688 8245.