Rt Hon David Blunkett awarded honorary degree

18th July 2016

The Right Honourable the Lord David Blunkett is amongst 11 esteemed recipients to receive honorary degrees this week (18-22 July 2016) alongside thousands of jubilant University of Sheffield graduates.

Lord Blunkett became the youngest ever councillor in Britain aged just 22 whilst studying for six years in evening classes to gain a degree in Politics from the University of Sheffield. He became Leader of Sheffield City Council and was elected MP for Sheffield Brightside in 1987 before going on to serve as Education and Employment Secretary, Home Secretary and Work and Pensions Secretary. Lord Blunkett is now a Professor of Politics in Practice and Chair of the University's Sir Bernard Crick Centre Promoting the Public Understanding of Politics. Alongside his academic work, he continues to fight for a more equal society influencing several major White Papers addressing poverty, education and social mobility and is the Vice President of both the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the National Alzheimer's Society. He will receive his Honorary Degree in recognition of his contribution to British politics on Friday (22 July 2016) during the 3.30pm ceremony. The first female President of the United Arab Emirates Federal National Council, one of the world's greatest squash players and an esteemed playwright are amongst the fellow recipients who will receive honours alongside Lord Blunkett and hundreds of talented students. Her Excellency, Dr Amal Abdulla Al Qubaisi is the first female Emirati to be elected to public office, and the first woman from the Arab states of the Persian Gulf to lead a national assembly. She was elected the speaker of the 40-member Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in November 2015. Dr Al Qubaisi graduated from the University and achieved a PhD in 2001 after studying the architectural heritage of the UAE and its future. She will pick up her honorary degree on Tuesday (19 July 2016) at 12pm. One of the world's greatest squash players, Nick Matthew OBE, will be honoured on Monday (18 July 2016) at 3.30pm for his outstanding contribution to sport. Nick, who was born and still lives in Sheffield, is a three-time World Champion, three-time British Open Champion, seven-time British National Champion and double Commonwealth Games Gold medallist. He continues to play at the Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club where he has also established the Nick Matthew Academy, which provides tuition and guidance for young squash players. A foremost figure in British medicine, Professor Sir John Tooke will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University for his contribution to research and medical education. Sir John's research has provided experts with valuable insight into the vascular complications of diabetes. However, his work has also focused on service delivery and the patients' perspective, contributing to the improvement of care. Acclaimed screenwriter, playwright and Sheffield alumna Adeola 'Ade' Solanke will also be honoured for her achievements in the Arts and presented with the Professor Robert Boucher Distinguished Alumni Award. Since graduating from the University of Sheffield in 1984 with a BA in English Literature, Ade has become renowned for her original and thought-provoking scriptwriting. During her sterling career, Ade has been a Royal Literary Fund Fellow and held the position of the British Film Institute writer-in-residence. Her debut play, Pandora's Box, provides a moving portrayal of the experience of the African diaspora. The show sold out in London before touring nationally, and was nominated as Best New Play at the Off West End Theatre Awards. Promoting the untold stories of African heritage, Ade founded the company Spora Stories. The group creates original scripts for both stage and screen, and has been widely acclaimed for its work. Ade's latest play, brought to life by Spora Stories, is East End Boys, West End Girls, which premiered in London in July 2015.