Summer Degree Ceremonies

The University's Chancellor HRH Princess Alexandra conferred degrees at the University's degree ceremonies in July and awarded the following honorary degrees:

DAVID MARTIN (Doctor of Laws) founded a publishing company when 25, later becoming Managing Director of Basil Blackwell, developing it into one of the world's most respected and creative academic publishers. He moved on to more general business interests in publishing and printing, serving as Chairman of Edinburgh University Press. A member of University Council for nearly 20 years and Deputy Pro-Chancellor for eight years, he has supported the University's senior officers and academic departments with energy and commitment, and ensured close communication between students and Council. He retired recently to fulfil an ambition to sail round the world.

COSTAS EVANGELIDES, (Doctor of Laws) a PhD graduate of Lancaster University, is an academic who makes a difference. An English literature scholar with many publications to his name, and a teacher who has fired the enthusiasm of countless students, Costas has also been very influential on the development of English language teaching in Greece. He has held a number of very important positions (including Deputy Vice Chancellor) in one of the world's most ancient universities, the University of Athens. His energetic and cosmopolitan approach to academia has benefited both Greece and Britain.

GORDON INKSTER (Posthumous Doctor of Letters). Gordon Inkster's unprecedented posthumous Honorary Degree was received by his widow Maggie. A lecturer in French language and culture at Lancaster from 1969 until his death in 2001, Gordon was respected for the breadth and imagination of his learning, and loved for his warmth and enthusiasm as teacher, friend and colleague. The University especially celebrates his creative and tireless development of InkyText, which through electronic mail offered an intelligent discussion of its affairs, and thus contributed exceptionally to the collegiate quality of its corporate life.

An alumni award was also given to RICHARD ALLINSON, a Lancaster law graduate, who became familiar to millions of Londoners as the award-winning Early Breakfast voice on Capital FM. Tempted away from the legal profession, he began his radio broadcasting career fronting The Chart Show, Drivetime, The 10-12 Late Show and a live show for cable channel VH-1. Now a popular BBC Radio 2 presenter, he also broadcasts on BBC World Service and the BFBS satellite network. Richard is also a member of the judging panel for the prestigious Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards and in 1996 was appointed Chairman of the Commercial Radio Convention.