Writer and comedian Stephen Fry exhorted fellow graduates to remain Sussex students in spirit - questioning, challenging and world-changing - when he addressed the winter graduation afternoon ceremony at Brighton Dome last Friday (28 January).

Fry was made honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of his contributions to campaigns for people living with bipolarity, mental health issues and AIDS/HIV. 

He was presented at the ceremony by fellow campaigner, writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe, who is Chair of Council, the University's governing body.

Simon Fanshawe praised the popular and multi-talented entertainer for his personal bravery in going public about his bi-polar condition, his energy and commitment to causes and his supreme fundraising abilities.

Earlier, Fry had quipped that "Sussex just about ruled the world" and that he "couldn't be happier or prouder" about receiving an honorary doctorate from Sussex.

During his graduation speech, Fry urged his fellow graduates never to give up being students and to retain an intellectual curiosity about life.

Describing events in the life of his hero Oscar Wilde, Fry said: "Wilde was the prince of students, constantly exploring moral, intellectual, sexual and artistic freedom, always bohemian.

"Much of the splendour of the Western world would not have been possible without minds that are difficult, dark, ambiguous.

"The spirit of Sussex has just those qualities, never accepting the world as it is, but seeing how it could be different, which is why I am so proud to have been offered this fantastic honorary degree."

The eminent theoretical chemist Professor David Clary, who is Chief Scientific Advisor to the Commonwealth Office, was made Doctor of Science at the morning ceremony.

Currently President of Magadalen College Oxford, Professor Clary is this year the recipient of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Liversidge Award for his many contributions to his field of research.

The highly respected academic recalled fondly an earlier visit to Sussex, when he saw Pink Floyd perform their album Dark Side of the Moon.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, said: "The University is delighted to recognise the enormous achievements of Stephen Fry and Professor David Clary - and we are equally proud that the Sussex name will be represented at home and in all parts of the world by our talented and high-achieving graduates."