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Your chance to nominate Suffolk's next honorary graduates

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Members of the public can now nominate inspirational individuals for University of Suffolk honorary degrees. The university is seeking nominations for people who have made exceptional contributions to society, overcome disadvantages, or enhanced the region's educational and cultural wellbeing.

Why it matters: The honorary degrees celebrate achievements that make a real difference to Suffolk communities, recognising both high-profile figures and unsung local heroes who have made lasting impacts.

Ann Osborn BEM
Ann Osborn BEMGregg BrownUniversity of Suffolk

The big picture: The university awards several honorary doctorates each year during its graduation ceremonies, with recent recipients including:

  • Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town's promotion-winning manager

  • Boshor Ali, chair of BSC Multicultural Services

  • Michael Read MBE, Olympian and Broomhill Lido champion

How it works:

  • Anyone can submit a nomination through the University of Suffolk website

  • Deadline is Monday 31 March

  • Nominations must remain confidential – nominees should not be informed

  • Recipients are chosen based on contributions to education, culture, business or community service

Kerry Ellis
Kerry EllisGregg BrownUniversity of Suffolk

What they're saying: Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Suffolk, said: "Awarding honorary awards at our annual graduation ceremonies gives the University of Suffolk the chance to celebrate the richness and diversity of our wider relationships."

Worth noting: Honorary awards cannot be given to serving politicians, university governors, or university employees.

The bottom line: This is a chance for local residents to help recognise those making outstanding contributions to Suffolk life, whether through community service, educational achievement, or inspiring others in the face of adversity.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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