Four of the world’s most eminent social and political figures received honorary degrees from Newcastle University this month (December 2012). The Mittal brothers, Shami Chakrabarti and Garry Runciman all became special honorary graduates of Newcastle University for their outstanding contributions to societies in the UK and across the world.
To mark to launch of the Newcastle Institute for Social Renewal (NISR) the University has chosen to award individuals whose interests represented communities most affected by social, political and economic change. The Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law commemorates the University’s historic commitment to civic responsibility.
Professor Mark Shucksmith OBE, Director of NISR, said: “Social Renewal is about tackling the big questions and our role as a civic university is to make a difference to the world around us in both thought and action. We celebrate this idea in honour of people who have made outstanding contributions to society in answering the big questions.”
Professor Chris Brink, Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, said: “Honorary degrees are a way for Newcastle University to recognise those figures from industry, academia, education and politics who have made a major contribution to people’s lives and the world we live in.”
Videos of our Honorary Degree graduates talking about what social renewal means to them are below.