Graduation honours for University supporters

Individuals and organisations that have made major contributions to the University or its objectives have been honoured during this summers’ Graduation.

Three honorary degrees were awarded, and two inductions made to the University’s College of Benefactors, during the summer Graduation ceremonies that ran between 18-24 July.

The individuals and organisation honoured have all supported study and research opportunities at Reading and improved access to university education, as well as inspiring innovation and delivering exceptional public service.

Honorary degrees

Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda

Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda is the High Commissioner of Uganda to India and also spearheaded the establishment of Uganda’s first ever Department of Food Science and Technology in 1989.

The diplomat and academic is well known for her work to reduce poverty and childhood malnutrition in her home country of Uganda.

Her work on the project “Gender Informed Nutrition in Agriculture” contributed to a reduction of child malnutrition in the Western Region of Uganda from 21% to 11% in a period of just four years.

She was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at a ceremony on Wednesday 19 July.

Read more about Professor Kakuramatsi Kikafunda’s award.

Councillor Tony Page

Councillor Tony Page was recognised for his 50 years of dedicated public service on Reading borough Council.

He has served as a Labour councillor since 1973 and is now the Mayor of Reading,

Cllr Page graduated from the University of Reading with a BA in Politics in 1975. While still a student, he was elected as the youngest ever councillor in Reading – a record he retains to this day.

Developing better public transport for the people of Reading has been a major part of Cllr Page’s career. Among numerous roles, he has served as Chair of Reading Buses, Chair of Reading’s Transportation Committee, and Chair of the Berkshire Local Transport Board, which was responsible for determining the priorities for transport investment across Berkshire.

His work on environmental issues has seen a significant reduction in Reading’s carbon footprint and progress towards the town’s work to achieve net-zero.

Cllr Page was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters at a ceremony on Thursday 20 July.

Read more about Cllr Page’s award.

Simon Carter, of Carter and Sons Ltd.

Simon Carter is the managing director for Carter and Son Ltd, an almost-200-year-old family-run marquee business based in Thatcham.

Mr Carter has had a long association with the University, first coming to campus in the early 1970s, aged six to help his father erect the marquees and set up the furniture needed for Graduation.

In addition to marquee hire, Carter and Son Ltd had a retail shop in Reading selling snow and mountain sports equipment and clothing, and a factory producing industrial textiles such as marquees and tarpaulins.

Mr Charter’s passion for, and commitment to promoting, all aspects of rural life has led to his involvement with number of agricultural charities. He sits on the Committee for The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL), which is owned by the University of Reading.

He was awarded a Distinguished Fellowship in a ceremony on Tuesday 18 July

Read more about Mr Carter’s award.

College of Benefactors

Launched in 2014, the College of Benefactors celebrates the generosity of supporters who have made exceptional gifts to the University of Reading. Induction into the College is the highest honour that the University can bestow upon a donor.

Both inductees were confirmed at a Graduation ceremony in the great Hall on Friday 21 July.

Savills PLC

Savills PLC is a global real estate provider with a dedication to widening access and participation to the real estate Industry.

As Corporate Patrons of the Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF), Savills have supported and continue to support the core activities of the Foundation by promoting access and widening participation. This includes seed funding for University research, bursary and hardship funding for Real Estate & Planning Students and promoting the Access Internships scheme.

Savill’s are gold level supporters of the Pathways to Property, an RREF initiative that aims to widen participation in the real estate sector.

Professor Mary Bryden

Professor Mary Bryden graduated from her honours degree in 1975 and later returned to complete her PhD and occupy roles such as the Head of the Department of Modern Languages and European Studies, School Director of Research, and Director of the Beckett International Foundation.

She was recognised nationally and internationally for her expertise in 20^th century literature, philosophy and culture, including her interest in the work of Samuel Beckett – on whom the University of Reading has a world leading collection of research works.

In Mary’s will, she generously left a Modern French Drama Collection of books, letters and manuscripts to the University, as well as legacy gifts that have enabled the creation of the Mary Bryden Translation Prize and the Mary Bryden Samuel Beckett Studentship.

Mary’s husband Professor Ray Loveridge has continued the relationship with the University to help execute the wishes of his late wife and accepted the honour on her behalf.