Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna among five to receive honorary degrees from University of Suffolk

The big picture: McKenna is one of five individuals receiving honorary degrees from the University of Suffolk in October, alongside four other notable figures.

Kieran McKenna

McKenna led Town from League One to the Premier League in just two seasons, becoming only the fifth side in history to achieve back-to-back promotions from the third tier to the Premier League.

What they're saying: McKenna expressed pride in receiving the honour, stating: "To receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Suffolk is a proud moment for both me and my family."

He added: "To have been able to bring joy to so many people in Ipswich and Suffolk over the course of the last two seasons has been extremely rewarding, with the celebrations following both of our promotions showing the strong sense of community surrounding the club, which we are proud to be a part of."

Boshor Ali

Boshor Ali, Chair of BSC Multicultural Services (formerly Bangladeshi Support Centre), is being recognised for his dedication to community service in Suffolk for over 25 years.

Ali has focused on addressing inequality, poverty, and health disparities, helping transform BSC into an award-winning organisation supporting diverse communities throughout the county.

What they're saying: "I am honoured to be receiving this award and deeply grateful to my colleagues at BSCMS, because it is their hard work and devotion that continues to enable our organisation to maintain its vision.

"I am passionate concerning the removal of inequality as the result of poverty and exclusion, especially in health issues and through education."

Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch

Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford, is a prize-winning author on 16th-century history and Christianity.

MacCulloch has produced several BBC TV series on religious history and was knighted in 2012. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Leopold Lucas Prize.

What they're saying: "I'm delighted and feel honoured by this award by the University of Suffolk, that has in a short span already contributed so much to the life of this county that was my childhood home; not least in promoting the study of history both local and worldwide."

Michael Read MBE

Michael Read MBE, who represented Great Britain in swimming at the 1960 Rome Olympics, is honoured for his sporting achievements and community contributions.

Read has completed 33 Channel swims and was named Amateur Sports Personality of Ipswich in 1978 and 1979. He has also devoted 22 years to the restoration of Ipswich's Broomhill Lido.

What they're saying: "One of my greatest regrets in life was having to settle for a master's degree rather than staying on at university for an extra year for a Ph.D. This wonderful award goes to show that if you live long enough, everything is possible."

Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE

Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE chairs several prominent organisations, including the Royal College of Physicians, DementiaUK, and Healthwatch England.

He has held 14 ministerial appointments in the UK and internationally, is an Expert Adviser to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and has received numerous national and international awards for his work in various fields.

What they're saying: "I am honoured to be receiving this award and proud of my association with such an innovative and imaginative university, whose reputation in both the academic world and the world of business grows from strength to strength.

"It has become a major driver of economic growth in Suffolk and the whole of East Anglia."

What's next: The University of Suffolk's Graduation Ceremonies will take place on the Ipswich Waterfront from 19 to 23 October.