Jacqui Oatley and Suzi Perry in line for University of Wolverhampton awards

A total of 14 people will be awarded honorary awards from the university this September in recognition of their significant contribution to their field of expertise.

TV star Suzi Perry will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering in recognition of her impressive record in the field of broadcasting, her passion for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and her work encouraging the next generation of budding entrepreneurs.

University of Wolverhampton graduate Suzi currently covers MotoGP for BT Sport, and is well known for covering MotoGP for the BBC for 13 years as well as her work on The Gadget Show on Channel 5 and the BBC's Formula One coverage from 2013 to 2015.

Wolverhampton-born Jacqui Oatley, the first female presenter of Match of the Day and Director of Women in Football, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters. The award recognises Jacqui's contribution to sports broadcasting, and in particular championing opportunities for women.

In recognition for her exceptional achievements in wheelchair tennis, Jordanne Whiley, from Halesowen, will be presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. The 24-year-old is reigning Wimbledon and French Open Women's Wheelchair Doubles Champion and a London 2012 Paralympics bronze medalIist. She will be attending the ceremony fresh from the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

University of Wolverhampton graduate Peter Bebb, who won a BAFTA for Best Visual Effects for the film Inception, will add an Honorary Doctor of Arts to his accolades.

Co-founder of Touretteshero, Jessica Thom, is a writer, media commentator, stand-up comedienne and charity worker. She will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of her contribution to raising awareness of Tourette's.

Other recipients include Operations Director of Jaguar Land Rover Trevor Leeks and Consultant for Marston's Brewery Philip Barnett, who will both receive Honorary Fellowships.

Also set to be honoured for his contribution to the musical heritage of the Black Country is Peter Morris, Director of Music at St Peter's Collegiate Church in Wolverhampton.

Dame Colette Bowe, Chair of the ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters and Founder and Director of Maverick TV Jonnie Turpie will be presented with an Honorary Doctor of Arts.

Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, Shirley Cramer, will be recognised for her extensive contribution to health care.

Graham Wynn, Chair of the Marches LEP Board, will be awarded for his contribution to the economic regeneration of Shropshire and the surrounding areas through support for local businesses.

Two figures with close links to the University will also be honoured. Jean-Roch Guiresse, former Director of ESTIA (Ecole Superieure Des Technologies Industrielles Avancees) in France, which runs courses in partnership with Wolverhampton, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Engineering. Meanwhile Paul Lister, former head of the University's School of Engineering, will be presented with an Honorary Fellowship.

Vice-chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: "The University awards Honorary Degrees to high-profile figures that make a significant contribution to their field of expertise. These figureheads provide inspiration for our students, graduates and staff.

"Each year the University of Wolverhampton is proud to recognise the achievements of various people across a broad range of specialisms, many of whom have local connections with the University.

"The whole University community looks forward to welcoming such an inspirational group of honorary award recipients to our graduation ceremonies this September."

The University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremonies will take place at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Saturday, 17 September to Friday, 23 September 2016.