12 September 2006 88/06
Shane Warne bowled over by Honorary Doctorate from Southampton Solent University
Cricket legend Shane Warne was today awarded an honorary doctorate by Southampton Solent University. The accolade was conferred at The Rose Bowl in Hampshire in a twist on the traditional university graduation ceremony.
A procession of university high officers, made their way to the boundary rope in front of the pavilion. Warne, the scourge of England’s batsmen in successive Ashes Test Series, received his degree scroll wearing customary academic dress. It was a double celebration for Warne, who was also celebrating his 37th birthday.
Considered to be the greatest spin bowler in history, Shane Warne was awarded his honorary doctorate for his services to cricket. It recognises the Hampshire Captain’s role in promoting cricket across the County, as well as his record-breaking wicket haul in Test Matches.
Professor Glyn Tonge, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Board Governors of Southampton Solent University, said:
"As arguably the greatest bowler who has ever lived, Shane Warne is highly deserving of this honorary doctorate. His sporting success is an inspiration to all, and is particularly close to our own hearts given the university’s commitment to sporting achievement. We felt it was only fitting to break with tradition and confer this degree at the Rose Bowl, the home of Hampshire cricket, in recognition of the huge contribution he has made not only to international cricket but to the success and popularity of cricket in the Hampshire region."
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About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University is one of the UK's newest universities, providing a diverse and inspiring portfolio of modern, relevant and vocational courses. The University offers its 16,000 students more than 150 undergraduate degrees ranging from Music to Maritime, Leisure to Law, Master's degrees and PhDs, plus a variety of professional and short courses.
By working closely with business and industry, Southampton Solent University enjoys an excellent reputation for the distinctive way it links together student learning, applied research and service to business and the community.
About Sport at Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers a wide range of undergraduate degree courses in sports-related disciplines, including Sports Coaching, Football Studies and Health and Fitness Management. There are more than 40 student sports teams, involving more than 1,000 students, collectively known as Team Solent. The University’s yachting team are the current British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA) world and national champions.
Sporting Honorary Graduates from Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University has awarded honorary degrees to a number of famous sporting names in recent years. Former Hampshire and England cricket stars David Gower OBE and Robin Smith have been made Masters of Arts, while Saints legends Matt Le Tissier and Lawrie McMenemy were given honorary Master of Business Administration degrees. The University also made Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson OBE, MBE, Britain's most successful Paralympic athlete, an honorary Doctor of Business Administration and the famous motor racing correspondent, Murray Walker was made a Doctor of Letters.