University to honour BBC correspondent Esler
BBC CORRESPONDENT Gavin Esler is among the figures from journalism, politics, science and literature to be given honorary degrees by one of the North of England’s leading universities.
The University of York has announced the recipients of 13 honorary degrees being handed out as part of its summer graduation ceremonies.
Mr Esler is known for his reporting on the wrongful convictions
of the so-called Guildford Four and Maguire Seven, which inspired the film In the Name of the Father.
He will be honoured along with his BBC colleague and long-serving correspondent Bridget Kendall, who has reported on major conflicts in countries including Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and Ukraine.
Prof Alastair Minnis, a leading professor of medieval literature, will also get an honorary degree. Prof Minnis was formerly director of the Centre for Medieval Studies at York and helped set up York Medieval Press, a internationally renowned history publisher.
In the world of politics, an honorary degree will go to Monica McWilliams, an Emeritus Professor at Ulster University who was involved in peace negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Dr Stephen Cleobury, director of music at King’s College, Cambridge, Gregory Doran, artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and playwright Simon Stephens are recognised for their contribution to the arts.
Dr David Lawrence Sacks, a leading expert on leishmaniasis, a tropical disease transmitted by sandfly bites, is honoured for his contribution to science.