Jacqui Oatley among figures given honorary titles and degrees
Leaders in arts, diversity and business are being recognised with accolades and awards by a city university.
Wolverhampton University is awarding honorary degrees and fellowships to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.
This includes honouring key film makers, producers, screen writers and presenters who have championed diversity in the arts as part of its 25-year celebration of deaf support and deaf studies.
Among the people being recognised are two high profile local people: artist Cold War Steve and sports broadcaster Jacqui Oatley.
Cold War Steve, also known as Christopher Spencer, is an artist from Birmingham and is recognised for his contribution to the arts, receiving a Doctor of Arts Honorary Degree.
Jacqui Oatley was the first female commentator on Match of the Day and was awarded an Honorary Degree in 2016 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to sports broadcasting as well as championing diversity in sport.
She will be given the role of pro-chancellor, which is a role given to individuals who are highly regarded in their field with a close link to the University.
Professor Geoff Layer, vice-chancellor at Wolverhampton University, said the university was keen to celebrate the achievements of both Christopher and Jacqui alongside the other award recipients.
He said: "Christopher's huge success using a contemporary medium to engage in topical debates around politics and celebrity culture will no doubt be an inspiration to for our students, graduates and staff.
"Similarly, Jacqui’s ongoing achievements have broken boundaries for women who work in the field of sports media."
Other honorary degrees will be presented to the likes of Lady Frances Sorrell, Dr Simon Walford, Louis Neethling, Manjit Kaur Kang, Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Suzanne Llewellyn.
They will all receive their awards at a special awards ceremony in July 2021.
