Two inspiring and high-profile individuals joined around 2,500 students who graduated this month and received Honorary Degrees from the University of Hull.
Neil Codling was presented with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa in recognition of his remarkable contributions to music and the arts.
Neil is the keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and co-songwriter for the rock group Suede, joining the band within months of graduating from the University of Hull in 1995 with a degree in English and Drama. Since his time at Hull, Neil has helped Suede procure six top ten albums, including two number-one hits. The group has won the Mercury Music Prize, Q Magazine's Icon Award, and the NME’s Godlike Genius Award. Career longevity in the music industry is difficult to achieve, and Neil’s success is a testament to his versatility, his commitment to his craft, and his accomplishments as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.
When accepting his award, Neil shared many fond memories of his time at the University of Hull, such as living in his student house on Cranbrook Avenue, socialising in the Student Union, and the whirlwind weekend he spent preparing for the University's musical production of Grease. Neil emphasised the importance of saying yes to opportunities, daring to make mistakes, and being confident – skills he developed while at the University of Hull.
Neil reaffirmed that the connections and friendships made at the University of Hull are lifelong – all Hull graduates are innately connected by where they studied: “If you ever happen to find yourself at a gig I’m playing, a festival somewhere, come and say hello and let me know how things are going. We’re all connected by this wonderful place. Our stories have intertwined here, and it’d be great to hear how your stories are going further down the road.”
Professor Jamie Waterall was also awarded an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Science Honoris Causa, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to public health, health education, and global community wellbeing.
Since qualifying as a nurse in 1999, Professor Waterall has had a varied and distinguished career in healthcare. He has worked in the sector locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally and holds an Honorary Professor position at both the University of Hull and the University of Nottingham. He has also produced and published work as a public health strategist, academic, and thought leader, and he has influenced both policy and practice in ways that will continue to cause positive change for years to come.
Professor Waterall’s dedication and groundbreaking contributions to positively advancing public health and wellbeing, and his work in guiding the fight against chronic and cardiovascular diseases, illustrate that he is an outstanding individual and nurse. He currently serves as England’s Deputy Chief Public Health Nurse in the Department of Health and Social Care’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.
During the ceremony he spoke of how proud he was to be recognised and graduate on stage with such inspiring students, sharing his sincere congratulations for all their hard work and dedication. He emphasised that, as a Hull alumnus, these graduates can now make a difference in the lives of millions of people.
He left the graduates with the following words of inspiration: “As you start or continue your careers, I encourage you to be bold and brave and use your expert knowledge and skills that you have gained at the University of Hull to make a difference.”
This article was written by Lucy Moir who joined the University's Corporate Communications Team to gain work experience in public relations and communications.