Sunderland gradaute Jordan North to be presented with an honorary fellowship
Written by Jennifer Igbafen on 27th April 2023
University of Sunderland graduate and BBC Radio 1 presenter Jordan North will receive an honorary degree from the university where his career began.
Jordan North at the University of Sunderland’s Spark Studio.
On Tuesday he announced to listeners during Radio 1’s drivetime show that he will receive his Honorary Fellowship in July.
The radio star, who landed a regular slot on hit ITV show Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, said: “This is a huge honour, perhaps the greatest of my life. Now I just need to see Burnley win the FA cup and I will die a happy man!”
Jordan graduated from the university in 2011 with a First Class degree in Media Production, and started his radio career on Spark.
Jordan North at the University of Sunderland’s Spark Studio.
Richard Berry, programme leader for BA Media Production and Senior Lecturer in radio and podcast at the University of Sunderland said: “It’s exciting news, it’s good for Jordan to get what he has achieved recognised, and I think it’s always good for us as lecturers to see our graduates succeeding in their careers and I think the university likes to recognise that.
“He was a great student and I think he’s a great example to students of what you can achieve in life and in the media.
“I think with Jordan, the person you hear on the radio and the person you saw on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! That’s Jordan.
“Nobody’s held doors open for him, he has got there because he’s good at what he does and has worked hard. I think to see that for students, that says that whatever they want to achieve is achievable.”
Jordan North (centre) broadcasting while at Sunderland university.
The 2nd place winner of the 2020 series of ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! said: “I have so many fond memories and I learned so many skills and techniques that I still put to use now when broadcasting to millions of people on Radio 1.
“This is where I learned my trade, made my mistakes, found my passion and made friends for life.
“I wasn’t very academic at school and struggled in most subjects but at Sunderland I found my passion, something I was half decent at and I was constantly encouraged, supported, and helped by the amazing members of staff in a fantastic learning environment.
“I owe everything to The University of Sunderland and Spark,” Jordan said.
He will receive his honorary during the University of Sunderland graduation ceremonies at the Stadium of Light from July 10-14.
