Three scholars, a ground-breaking Indonesian journalist and a British comedian and actress are to be honoured for their achievements at the 2013 graduation ceremonies of SOAS, University of London. The notable academics Sir Martin Harris, Professor Jan Bremen, Professor Diane Eck receive Honorary Doctorates; renowned news journalist Desi Anwar becomes an Honorary Fellow; and the comedian, actress and writer Meera Syal receives an Honorary Doctorate. All five receive their Honorary awards as the School celebrates the achievements of 2,000 undergraduate and postgraduate and research students. Sir Martin Harris’s distinguished academic career has led him to appointments as Vice-Chancellor at two universities and Chancellor at one and his knighthood recognises his services to higher education. He has also played important national roles, notably as the Director of the Office for Fair Access. Sir Martin has a long connection with SOAS. He is a SOAS alumnus and scholar of linguistics. He was also a member of the SOAS Governing Body from 1989 to 1993. The hugely respected Indonesian journalist and SOAS alumna, Desi Anwar has worked as a reporter, anchor and producer for prime time news programmes. Her immense knowledge of and insight into world affairs has led her to interview an extremely impressive number of heads of state and prominent international figures –Benazir Bhutto, Baroness Thatcher, Henry Kissinger, Bill Gates, Christine Lagarde and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The multitalented Meera Syal is one of the UK’s best known and versatile actors – her roles range from stage to television, from Shakespeare to Dr Who. She has won awards for her screenplays, novels, comedy, and performances and her MBE recognises her services to the arts. Renowned sociologist Professor Jan Breman has built his profound knowledge and understanding of South and South East Asia through extensive fieldwork in the region, but he is also a driving force in the development of social sciences in his home nation, the Netherlands and his scholarship has had an international impact. Jan is recognised for his scholarship through fellowship of the Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Academia Europaea, while his contribution to science and civil society has garnered him a royal distinction. Diana Eck is Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University, and throughout her career she has been lauded for advancing the understanding of religion both within the academy and among the general public. Indeed her work on religious pluralism in the United States – such as her documentation and interpretation of the Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Zoroastrian communities - was recognised by the award of the National Humanities Medal, which she received from President Clinton. She is a SOAS alumna. Dr Tim Miller, Chair of SOAS’ Governing Body, said: “As significant contributors to both scholarship and society, our Honorary Fellows and Graduates are inspiring role models for our graduates. We are exceptionally proud that three of them are SOAS alumni and we are truly honoured to welcome all of them into the SOAS community.”
Posted on: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 07:26:44 +0000
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