Paralympic Medallist Jade to be Honoured at BGU Graduation

 17/07/2014

Winter Paralympic skiing medallist Jade Etherington is to receive an honorary fellowship from Bishop Grosseteste University at a graduation ceremony next week.

Jade, who graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University two years ago with a degree in Education Studies and Geography, won three silver medals and one bronze at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.

Britain's number one visually impaired alpine speed event ski racer will join around 850 students receiving their degrees from Bishop Grosseteste University at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 23rd July.

Also accepting special honours on the day will be Professor Muriel Robinson OBE DL, who retired as the university's Vice Chancellor in April 2013; Ursula Lidbetter MBE DL, Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire Co-operative and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership; and Dr Tim Lomas, former Principal School Improvement Advisor in Lincolnshire. All three will become honorary graduates of the university.

Haydn Beeken, who was Chair of BGU's University Council for eight years until 2013, will also receive an honorary fellowship.

There will be three ceremonies on the day: at 10.15am, 2.30pm and 7.15pm. Dr Lomas will receive his honorary degree in the morning ceremony, Professor Robinson will be honoured during the afternoon ceremony and Ms Lidbetter will receive her degree in the evening ceremony.

Jade Etherington will receive her fellowship at 2.30pm and Haydn Beeken will receive his fellowship at 7.15pm.

"Graduation day is of course the highlight of the university year and we look forward to celebrating a wonderful day in a spectacular setting with our graduands, their friends and their families," said the Reverend Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University.

"We are also proud to be able to recognise the achievements of five people who stand as inspirational role models for our graduating students."

Members of the media are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend please contact Jez Ashberry at Shooting Star PR on 01522 528540 or 07780 735071 or email jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk.