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Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and winger Sophie Peskett swapped their usual matchday attire for graduation gowns on Monday, as both received recognition from the University of Suffolk.
Why it matters: McKenna received an honorary doctorate celebrating his managerial success, while Peskett earned a first-class degree after three years of combining professional football with full-time study.
The big picture: The graduation ceremony took place in a marquee on Ipswich waterfront, following a new three-year partnership between the club and the university
McKenna was awarded an honorary doctorate to recognise his achievements in football management.
Peskett completed her BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science with first-class honours.
The 21-year-old player balanced her studies with being Town's first professional women's player.
What they're saying: McKenna urged graduates to "go with your passion" and chase their biggest goals, reflecting on his own journey from injury-forced retirement at 22 to Premier League management.
"It made me realise that so often in our careers, so often in our ambitions, we are limited by our own perceptions of what is possible," McKenna told the ceremony.
Peskett, who has played for Town for five seasons, spoke about achieving her academic goals alongside her sporting career: "When I first started, I didn't believe that I was capable of completing something like this. Three years have passed, and I have graduated with a first-class degree."
In case you didn't know: An honorary doctorate or degree recognises outstanding contributions to society or a specific field without requiring traditional academic study.
It's a ceremonial award that doesn't carry academic qualifications
Recipients are chosen for making significant societal contributions or achieving national distinction
The title "Dr." is typically only used at university events
It appears as an award on CVs, not as an educational qualification
What's next: While McKenna continues leading Town in the Premier League, Peskett plans to focus on her football career before potentially pursuing a master's degree in the future.
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