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Creative director honoured by University 

10/09/2021
Lady Frances Sorrell

An award-winning creative director and leading advocate for arts education has been honoured by the University of Wolverhampton.   

Lady Frances Sorrell OBE is the co-founder of Newell and Sorrell, which became one of Europe’s most successful design and communication businesses.  

The University of Wolverhampton presented an Honorary Doctor of Professional Practice to Lady Sorrell at a graduation ceremony on Saturday, 11 September 2021. 

She said: “I am delighted and privileged to receive this honorary doctorate from such a wonderful university. Known as the University of Opportunity, that is something very close to my heart, giving opportunities to young people.” 

Frances Sorrell (née Newell) is an award-winning creative director and a leading advocate for creative education. In 1976, with her husband John Sorrell, she founded Newell and Sorrell, which became one of Europe’s most successful design and communication businesses.  

In 1999 they set up the Sorrell Foundation, a pioneering educational charity, with the aim of inspiring creativity in young people. They launched the National Saturday Club in 2009, which has grown to become a national network and movement, giving young people the opportunity to discover their talents. 

Frances has held numerous advisory roles for charities and creative organisations, and holds several honorary doctorates and degrees. 

The University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremonies are taking place at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton from Thursday 9 September – Friday 17 September 2021.  

The 17 ceremonies will see over 3,000 students who completed their studies in 2020 collect their awards.  

It is the first time the University has held a graduation ceremony since December 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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