University honours former Pro-Chancellor

Vivienne SugarVivienne Sugar, a well-known figure in local government, and former Pro-Chancellor of Swansea University has been presented with an Honorary Degree from Swansea University.  She received the LLD (Doctor of Law) degree today (Monday 8 July) during the degree ceremony for the College of Arts and Humanities.

Vivienne Sugar was born in Gorseinon and studied at Leeds University.  Her career path thereafter led her to positions at Newport Borough Council and Cardiff City Council where she became Director of Housing.

Her special understanding of local government led to her appointment as Chief Executive to the City and County of Swansea in 1995.

In 2005, her passion for equal opportunities saw her become adviser for Wales of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 

She also became Pro-Chancellor of Swansea University in 2005 and held the position until September 2012. During her time as Pro-Chancellor the University experienced one of the most dramatic periods of growth and transformation in its history, including the realisation of plans for the construction of the University’s new Science and Innovation Campus.

Vivienne Sugar currently champions consumer rights as Chair of the Welsh Consumer Council.

On being presented with an Honorary Degree, she said: "I am deeply honoured to be given this Award. Swansea holds a special place in the hearts of everyone who lives, studies and works here. During the period of time of my association with the University, it has transformed itself into a high achieving, research-led, ambitious institution.

“I have been particularly pleased to be involved in developing the student experience and hope to see the construction of the second campus delivering widespread benefit to the economy of the area."