Originally published 26 January 2004

The University of Warwick is set to award honorary degrees to former local Labour Leader Nick Nolan and artist and influential editor Fleur Cowles at its Winter Degree Ceremonies on Wednesday 28th January 2004. Short biographies of the honorary graduands follow:

Nick Nolan: Hon LLD (Doctor of Laws)

Nick Nolan was Labour Leader of Coventry City Council from 2000-2003 and served as Lord Mayor of Coventry in 1994-5. He is a former chairman of the Social Services Committee and Leisure Services Committee, as well as having been the vice-chairman of the Transportation and Highways committee. During his time as Labour Leader in Coventry, Nick Nolan was a popular, self-critical figure who took a passionate interest both economic regeneration initiatives in the city such as the Arena development, and working with the people of Coventry to battle for better, more efficient services.

In the City Council’s corporate plan for 2002-2003 he stressed the Council’s “aim to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the city” and the City Council’s intention to give even more “active support to The Coventry Partnership our new Local Strategic Partnership and to implementing the Coventry Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy”. He resigned the Council leadership this year, beginning his retirement from politics after 24 years of service.

Fleur Cowles: Hon DLitt (Doctor of Letters)

Fleur Cowles is an accomplished magazine editor, artist and special US Presidential representative. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts but has been a UK resident for many years and has done much to foster transatlantic co-operation and understanding.

She has served as special representative for two US Presidents. President Truman gave her a special post in America’s international famine relief work and President Eisenhower made her a Special Ambassador representing him in number of roles in Brazil, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Iran. She even attended the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as Eisenhower’s representative. Fleur continues to play a distinctive role in maintaining US/UK friendship through her work for the George C. Marshall International Centre in Virginia and the Founding Council of the Rothermere Institute for American studies in the UK.

Fleur held successful editorial roles with both Look and Quick magazines but will be most remembered for being the founding editor, in 1950, of the revolutionary and much acclaimed magazine Flair, that today remains the gold standard in its field of publishing.

Photo/ Interview Opportunities at Back of Senate House, Central Campus, University of Warwick

Fleur Cowles will be available for photographs and interviews at 12.15pm on Wednesday 28th January 2004

Nick Nolan will be available for photographs and interviews at 2.25pm on Wednesday 28th January 2004

Contact:

Jenny Murray,
Communications Office,
University of Warwick,
Tel: 02476 574 255,
Mobile: 07876 217740