Dundee University to honour actor Alan Alda

Hollywood star will receive an honorary degree at this year’s graduation

Legendary actor Alan Alda is to receive an honorary degree from Dundee University.

The actor, who shot to fame playing Hawkeye in the critically-acclaimed television series M*A*S*H, has since gone on to star in a range of movies and television series, including Woody Allen films Everyone Says I Love and Manhattan Murder Mystery.

He also starred in the acclaimed US series The West Wing and was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Martin Scorcese’s The Aviator.

His most recent film appearance was in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies.

Others to receive honorary degrees this year are Olympian Katherine Grainger and Perthshire film director David Mackenzie, who graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone Art College.

Another Duncan of Jordanstone graduate, Turner Prize winner Susan Phillipz will also be honoured, as will two other university graduates: Judge Tim Eicke QC, and David Cunningham, chief executive of The ARCHIE Foundation.

They will also receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD) at the university’s graduation ceremonies, which take place between June 21 and 23.

Alda is being honoured for his work as an ambassador of the communication of science.

He helped found The Alan Alda Center for the Communication of Science, which is an international partner of the university’s Leverhulme Centre.

University principal Professor Sir Pete Downes said: “Our honorary graduates this year once again represent some of the highest achievers in their respective fields.

“In choosing our honorary graduates we look for people who will inspire our students and staff and this year’s group have displayed excellence and achievement in abundance.

“The achievements of our honorary graduates reflect the wide ranging nature of the impact the university has on society, and in this special anniversary year it is fitting that we have illustrious alumni such as Susan Philipsz, Tim Eicke, David Mackenzie and David Cunningham returning to receive honorary degrees.

“I look forward to welcoming the four of them, Alan Alda and Dame Katherine Grainger to Dundee this summer.”

During his time in Dundee Alan Alda will also discuss his passion for communication and exploring new knowledge and technology when he delivers the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science public lecture as part of the graduation celebrations.

An evening with Alan Alda takes place at the university’s Dalhousie Building at 6pm on Wednesday, June 21. Free tickets can be obtained there. The university is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend.