Saints legends Lawrie McMenemy and Francis Benali to receive honorary degrees from Southampton Solent University

Former Southampton boss Lawrie McMenemy and the club's former defender Francis Benali will receive honorary degrees from Southampton Solent University.

More than 2,200 students from the University will be handed their hard earned degrees in in the Guildhall, which will take place during the summer for the first time.

The University made its decision to move their annual graduation ceremonies from November to July after feedback from students.

Ten ceremonies over five days will take place from July 11-15 and will celebrate the new graduates in areas ranging from sport to architectural technology, fashion to yacht-design and business management to TV and film production.

Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent, Professor Graham Baldwin, said: “Graduation is the highlight of the academic calendar. It is a time when we celebrate the academic achievement, new skills and future success of our students.

"It also reminds us all of the excellent facilities, academic expertise and talent that we have here at Solent. I would like to wish everyone graduating this July every success with their future careers.

“This year’s graduation is the pinnacle of a great year for Solent, one in which we have won national awards, lifted sports trophies and seen the completion of our stunning new teaching and learning building.

"I would like to thank our students and staff for their part in our continued success.”

During the week, the University will also be presenting honorary degrees and visiting fellowships to several people who have made an outstanding contribution in their field of expertise.

Those being presented with honorary degrees include former Saints' manager Lawrie McMenemy and former Saints' star Francis Benali, who will both become honorary Doctors of Sport.

The University Chancellor, Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead and the Pro-Chancellor and chair of the Board of Governors, Jonathan Cheshire, will preside over the University’s graduation ceremonies.