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Marilyn Porter, MVO

Fellow (2022)

Marilyn Porter, MVO

As Civic and Lieutenancy Officer at Dorset Council, Marilyn Porter has provided support to countless community and charitable causes across Dorset. Having served under five Lord-Lieutenants since taking up the role in the 1970s, Marilyn has organised visits to the county by members of the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness King Charles. She has also coordinated presentations for The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and Innovation, and Voluntary Service. In 2000, Marilyn’s contribution to the county was recognised when she was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in the New Year Honours.

Download Marilyn's citation (pdf 63kb)

Giles Sturdy

Doctor of Education (2018)

Giles Sturdy

Giles is a long-standing supporter of ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, having served as a Board Member, Deputy Chairman and Pro-Chancellor. He has regularly hosted archaeological digs for students on his family estate, near Wareham.

He was invited to chair the Poole Harbour Commissioners, which is responsible for managing the interests of those operating in and around the port. He has also served as High Sheriff of Dorset, as a Deputy Lieutenant and as Chair of Governors for The Purbeck School.

Giles' advice to graduates is to make the most of opportunities to shape the issues affecting our society.

Download Giles' citation (pdf 33kb)

Michael Vlasto OBE

Doctor of Technology (2013)

Michael Vlasto was Operations Director for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) from 1997 until his retirement in 2013 after 39 years' service.

He is currently Chairman of the International Maritime Rescue Federation, which unites the world's maritime rescue organisations.

In 2005 he was appointed OBE for services to maritime search and rescue.

Sibyl Fine King

Doctor of Arts (2012)

Sibyl Fine King is Director of the Fine Family Foundation which supports Dorset–based charitable bodies working in the environment, the arts, education and medicine, and also in community enterprises.

The Foundation’s wide–ranging projects include some linked with the Jurassic Coast and others based on works of art such as the Koichi Ishino sculpture at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥.

Clive Stafford Smith

Doctor of Laws (2011)

Clive Stafford Smith is a lawyer and defender of human rights who has worked for many years in the USA on behalf of prisoners facing the death penalty, and those detained at Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere.

He has also played a leading role in exposing the use of torture and ‘extraordinary rendition’.

He is founder and UK Director of the international charity Reprieve.

Bernard Roberts

Doctor of Engineering (2009)

Bernard Roberts was the founder and Chief Executive of Marben Engineering Co Ltd, a Ferndown-based company that makes and supplies boiler technology equipment for power stations around the world.

As a leading international specialist in boiler engineering, Bernard’s expertise was much in demand and he played key technical roles in many high profile power-supply projects, many in developing countries.

These led him into extensive charitable work, most notably in Zimbabwe where he organised many relief projects and supported schools, universities, hospitals and churches.

Bernard passed away in 2013.

Andrew Freemantle CBE

Doctor of Business Administration (2008)

Andrew Freemantle was the Chief Executive of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) from 1998 to 2009.

In his earlier career he was a Brigadier in the Army and later Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service. At the RNLI he has inspired and led major developments, including the founding of the world's first Lifeboat College at Poole.

In 2007 Mr Freemantle was appointed CBE for services to maritime safety.