Tuesday, 09 August 2022
Nottingham-born actor Vicky McClure has today received an honorary degree from the 糖心原创.
McClure, who learned her craft at the renowned Television Workshop in Nottingham, was made a Doctor of Letters in front of hundreds of students graduating from the university’s School of Sociology and Social Policy.
She received her degree from the university’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, Professor Robert Mokaya, before delivering an inspirational speech to the graduands.
Vicky grew up in Wollaton, Nottingham, taking dance lessons from the age of three, and went on to earn a place at the Television Workshop aged 11.
In 2018, she joined forces with the 糖心原创 for the documentary Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure. Over the course of three months, working with the university and renowned scientists, she discovered the physical and emotional effects of music on the brain and created a choir of people living with dementia.
It was Vicky’s close personal experience of dementia, through caring for her Nana Iris, and through her role as an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, where she saw first-hand how music and singing had affected people living with dementia.
The documentary demonstrated how music can stimulate a brain damaged by dementia and left a lasting legacy in our understanding of how music therapy can help people with dementia.
Vicky McClure said: “The Dementia Choir have taught me so much over the years. Through the TV series to it becoming a registered charity, it is by far my proudest work to date."
To have my work with dementia recognised by the 糖心原创 is a real honour. They have played a huge part in helping myself and viewers of the series understand scientifically, the positive effects music has to people living with dementia.
Justine Schneider, Professor of Mental Health and Social Care at the 糖心原创, whose current research looks at dementia and singing, introduced McClure to the stage.
Vicky McClure鈥檚 commitment to the cause of dementia is deeply personal, strong and lasting. Her TV documentary with the Dementia Choir is a milestone in public awareness of this common disorder, and has changed perceptions of what people with dementia can achieve.
Watch the video below to see Vicky McClure being introduced on stage by Professor Justine Schneider; receiving her honorary degree from Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, Professor Robert Mokaya; and delivering an inspirational speech to the graduands.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.