Eight honorary degrees were conferred by William Hague, Chancellor of Oxford, today at a Special Honorary Degree Ceremony. Among the recipients were presenter of the ‘The Rest is History’ podcast Dr Dominic Sandbrook; writer and conservationist Isabella Tree; and award-winning journalist Christina Lamb.
The other honorands were lawyer and former Principal of St Hugh’s College, Lady Elish Angiolini; former US Secretary of State John Kerry; President of Magdalen College Dinah Rose; Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Irene Tracey; and political scientist and broadcaster Professor Sir John Curtice.
Following the ceremony, which took place in the Sheldonian Theatre, the honorands processed under the Bridge of Sighs and along New College Lane.
Speaking one year on from the start of his Chancellorship, Hague said in a press release: “I am delighted to honour eight exceptional individuals today, whose achievements and dedication to their respective fields has been a personal inspiration to me.”
Having announced nine honorands last year, eight of the degrees were awarded today, with one to be conferred at the next Encaenia, a ceremony which takes place every year in the ninth week of Trinity Term. Today’s event, which follows a similar format to Encaenia, is a Special Honorary Degree Ceremony which marks the start of Hague’s Chancellorship and allows him to nominate “distinguished individuals” to receive honorary degrees.
Dominic Sandbrook has authored several books, as well as written and produced documentary series, and presents ‘The Rest is History’ podcast with fellow historian Tom Holland. He told Cherwell about his fond memories of Oxford and his tutors “who inspired my love of history and literature, and I’ve been very fortunate that through my books and podcasts, I’ve been able to share my passions with readers and listeners all over the world”.
Professor Sir John Curtice told Cherwell of his gratitude for having an environment “in which I was able to lay the foundations for the career I have had the privilege to pursue as an academic student of and commentator on public opinion and politics”. Curtice’s honorary degree reflects the achievements of his work as a political scientist, having become known for his interpretation of polls and survey data.
He told Cherwell: “Today’s recognition of my work via the award of an honorary degree is well beyond the hopes and aspirations I had during that formative time in the dreaming spires – and consequently is much treasured.”
Christina Lamb is Chief Foreign Correspondent for The Sunday Times and a Cherwell alumna. She told Cherwell about the thrill of “being awarded an Oxford honorary doctor of letters [sic]”. She said: “It’s the most wonderful privilege and I haven’t really stopped smiling. To me it’s recognition of all those many people round the world who have bravely told their stories at a time when sometimes it can seem no one is listening.”
Dinah Rose walked alongside Isabella Tree during the procession. She told Cherwell she was “utterly delighted to have been nominated for an honorary doctorate by the Chancellor. It is a great privilege to represent Lord Hague’s own college, Magdalen, in this way”. Rose is particularly interested in areas of law including human rights and civil liberties, and has appeared before several courts and major jurisdictions over the years.
The honorands followed behind the Chancellor and processed along Queen’s Lane and High Street to arrive at Magdalen College for a formal, celebratory lunch.
