Two Olympic gold medallists among those to be awarded honorary degrees

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Crista Cullen (fourthandfifteen, cc-by-sa-2.0) and Hannah MacLeod (fourthandfifteen, cc-by-sa-2.0)

Two Rio Olympic gold medallists are among those that will be awarded honorary degrees from Nottingham Trent University.

Team GB hockey players and NTU graduates Crista Cullen and Hannah MacLeod will collect their degrees from the Royal Concert Hall on Friday (December 9).

Both Olympians will receive their honorary degrees in recognition of contribution to sport.

Crista Cullen graduated from NTU in 2007 with a 2:1 in business studies and is part of the defence that helped GB to win an unexpected gold.

Hannah MacLeod studied for a doctorate which she gained in 2009 and now has over 150 caps with England and GB.

Honorary graduates demonstrate ambition and dedication

Vice-chancellor at NTU professor Edward Peck said: “Our honorary graduates – all of whom have strong connections to the city or the University – demonstrate the results of ambition and dedication and are all inspirations in their field.”

“Our ceremonies are a fantastic opportunity to congratulate graduating students on their hard work and to inspire them in their careers going forward.”

Former international cricket and Notts club player Graeme Swann will also receive recognition at the ceremony.

He will receive an honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of significant contribution to cricket on an international stage.

Swann made his full England debut for England in India in 2008 and became the second player in the history of Test cricket to take two wickets in his first over.

He helped England to win the Ashes series in 2009 and 2011 and was a part of the team that won the World T20 championship in 2010.

Nottingham-born comedian and screen writer Henry Normal will also receive one in recognition for his contribution to the arts, poetry, television and film.

His involvement in British television includes co-writing The Royle Family and producing Alan Partridge, Gavin and Stacey and The Mighty Boosh.

He also produced four-time Oscar-nominated Philomena.