A FAMILIAR face was among the hundreds of cap and gown wearing students receiving their degrees in Southampton yesterday.

Ian Murray, editor-in-chief of the Daily Echo, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Media from Southampton Solent University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the media.

A familiar figure to journalism students at the university, where Ian delivers masterclasses, he was also recognised for his national contribution to the industry in which he has worked for 35 years.

A member of the Editors’ Code of Practice  Committee of the former Press Complaints Commission, now the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Ian joined the board of the Society of Editors in 2010 and recently stepped down as its president.

On receiving his award he said: “It was one of the most important days of my life. Southampton Solent University has such a creative buzz about it and I am truly honoured to have been part of today’s graduation ceremony at the Guildhall, where so many future leaders of media were receiving degrees.”

Ian was not the only recipient of an honorary degree at yesterday’s ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall. Francesca Berriman MBE received the honorary degree of Doctor of Technology in recognition of her contribution to architectural technology and Dr Paul Hawkins, the developer of Hawk-Eye sports adjudication technology, received the same honour for his contribution to sporting technology.