Press Releases

University of Reading awards Honorary Degrees to leaders in economics and typography

Release Date : 16 December 2008

The University of Reading has awarded Honorary Degrees to leaders in the world of economics and typography, as Professor John Dunning OBE and Professor Michael Twyman received their degrees at this year's December Graduation Ceremony.

Professor John Dunning OBE was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on Friday 12th December.

Professor Dunning is Emeritus Professor of International Business at the University of Reading and was the first head of the Economics Department upon its establishment in 1964. He is the founder and leading light of the 'Reading School' of thought in the economics of international business and international investment, and has been a consultant to the United Nations, the World Bank and numerous other governmental organisations. He will be presented for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters by Professor John Hendry, Head of the School of Management.

Professor Hendry said: "The 'Reading School' is, by any measure, the world's most influential and most famous school of research and researchers in the economics of international business and international investment. The Henley Business School at the University of Reading, with its John H. Dunning Centre for International Business, is still the world's pre-eminent centre for international business research.

John's expertise in the world of economics and his distinguished and long-standing association with the University of Reading, means this recognition is fully deserved."

Professor Michael Twyman was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on Saturday 13th December.

Professor Michael Twyman began his academic career as a lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Reading. In the 1960s, he became head of a unit that was the first of its kind in the world: the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication. Professor Twyman, who retired in 1998, continues his association with the Department to this day as Director of the Centre for Ephemera Studies. He will be presented for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters by Professor Sue Walker, Professor of Typography and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Professor Walker said: "Michael Twyman's contribution to design education cannot be underestimated. His method is underpinned first by a belief that people matter, and secondly that research and scholarship are integral to it. He commented nearly 40 years ago that 'Education is not fundamentally about courses, syllabuses, teaching methods and so forth, but is concerned with the interaction of people and the sharing of interests and experiences'. His views have not changed, and he continues to provide inspiration for the students and teachers who work alongside him."

Professor John Dunning OBE received his degree on Friday 12 December as part of the 12 noon Congregation in the Great Hall at the University of Reading's London Road campus from the University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall.

Professor Michael Twyman received his degree on Saturday 13 December as part of the 12 noon Congregation in the Great Hall at the University of Reading's London Road campus from the University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall.

Ends

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