Sir Lindsay Hoyle is this month receiving an honorary award from the University of Central Lancashire.
The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle will swap his Parliamentary robe for an academic one when he receives his Honorary Fellowship at the Preston Campus on Friday 17 December.
The Speaker will join former Vice-Chancellor Dr Malcolm McVicar in receiving honorary awards.
Read more: Watch six-year transformation of UCLan’s Adelphi Square
Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “I’m absolutely delighted we are officially recognising two outstanding people who have contributed so much to our area.
“Sir Lindsay has served the people of Chorley with distinction during nearly 25 years as the town’s MP, and he is now bringing order to the House of Commons in his prestigious role as Speaker.
“I was fortunate to be a Deputy Vice-Chancellor for a number of years when Malcolm was at the helm, and it was great to work alongside him and see how passionate he was about giving every student, no matter their background, an opportunity to succeed.”
Read more: Meet the artist behind Adelphi Square’s new artwork
Vice-Chancellor Baldwin said his determination to make UCLan a name on the national and international stage is why the university is respected globally.
Sir Lindsay served as a Labour Councillor on Chorley Borough Council between 1980 and 1998, including spells as Deputy Leader and Mayor of Chorley.
He was elected as the town’s MP in 1997 and has won Chorley’s General Election seat seven times. He was elected to the highest authority of Speaker of the House of Commons in 2019.
Read more: Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals return at UCLan
He will receive recognition for his significant contribution to politics and the UK Parliament.
Former UCLan Vice-Chancellor Dr Malcom McVicar, who was at the institution helm between 1998 and 2013, will also be acknowledged.
He will receive an Honorary Doctorate on Wednesday, 15 December, to recognise his outstanding achievements in the higher education sector.
Read more: Preston Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Finals return at UCLan
During his 15 years in charge, Malcolm accelerated the growth of student numbers. He oversaw the expansion of the Preston Campus and created Burnley and Cyprus Campuses.
He oversaw the development of medicine, dentistry and architecture programmes.
They will join around 2,500 students in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, between 13 and 17 December. The post-event celebrations will take place inside the new multi-million-pound student centre.
Read more: UCLan’s ‘RESET’ fashion show to embrace new beginnings as we enter a ‘new normal’
The university has asked all attendees to wear face coverings, advising graduates, visitors and staff members to take a lateral flow test beforehand.
The ceremonies will also be live-streamed via the university YouTube channel to ensure family and friends can witness the occasion.
See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines