Teesside trio honoured by university

A university has recognised three regional leaders in tech, gaming and healthcare during its summer graduation celebrations.

Teesside University awarded honorary degrees to Lee Hutchinson, founder of global games studio Double Eleven, Visualsoft chief executive Dean Benson and Professor Derek Bell OBE, chair of the University Hospitals Tees group. 

All three were celebrated for their leadership and impact across their respective industries.

The awards were part of 17 graduation ceremonies held from July 8-16, with more than 4000 students marking their academic achievements. 

This year’s ceremonies took place in the university’s new £40 million Digital Life building, which will support future careers in fields such as AI, robotics and games design.

Lee and Dean, both graduates of Teesside University, have helped build internationally recognised businesses from the region, while Professor Bell was recognised for his contributions to healthcare and quality improvement, including national work on unscheduled care.

Lee said: “Teesside has a special place in my heart because it was the place that gave me my degree. 

“It feels really good to be recognised for the work I’ve done in the community. 

“Teesside as a university is really helped by listening to the actual people around it and tailoring their courses to fit exactly with what the actual industry wants. 

“Having all kinds of digital industry degrees is massively beneficial for us.” 

Speaking during the ceremony, Lee added: “Thank you, Teesside University, for giving me opportunity and for investing in futures that don’t yet exist. 

“Together, let’s continue to put Middlesbrough, the North‑East, and our university on the global map of creativity and impact.” 

Lee Hutchinson, left, and Dean Benson

Dean added: “The feeling I get from receiving this award is one of inspiration. 

“I want to be there for other people and help people related to Teesside to flourish and perhaps be a role model for other people. 

“Teesside University stands for excellence and an amazing education. 

“I’ve dealt with the University all through my life, studying at the University, work placement from school at the University, right the way through to being a governor at the University and now today with the honorary doctorate; it’s an absolute pleasure.”

The university says the honorary degrees highlight the importance of celebrating homegrown talent and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Professor Bell added: “It’s a great privilege to be honoured in this way. 

“The University’s buildings and facilities for students are just exceptional, and I can see how that attracts students from all over the world. 

“Teesside University’s reputation continues to go up and up. 

“The opportunities are fantastic, along with the opportunity to take the different skills that people have learned at the University out into the wider world.  

“As I walk across the stage, I will be thinking about what an honour it is, but also thinking about the speech I’ll be making, celebrating the importance of the University within the local region, particularly in relation to health science training, but also looking to the future. 

“Hopefully Teesside University will get a new medical school, which I think will be a great boost to the local economy.” 

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