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JULY 6, 2006 at 9:05 AM
Posted by GERI
Source: HPANA
Harry Potter author JK Rowling was honored
today by Aberdeen University for her work with multiple sclerosis research. Ms. Rowling received a Doctor of Laws from the University and when asked what the degree meant to her, JK said: "I am thrilled... it is very exciting."
Prof. Neva Haites, head of the university's College of Life Sciences and Medicine told the graduating class:
JK Rowling is best known because of a book that she wrote in a cafe in Edinburgh which has made her a household name.
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone and the subsequent Harry Potter books have now been read by millions worldwide. However, what is less well known is Ms Rowling's significant contribution to many charitable causes.
She (Rowling) is an example of a Scottish leader who has used her reputation and wealth to support the battle for improving human health and for fighting human disease.
For this and her many contributions to society, I have the honour to recommend JK Rowling to you for the degree.
You can view some pictures of the event here.
UPDATE: Thanks to Paul for letting us know that Dissendium has a report from a person who attended the event, which you can read here. Laura even managed to have a word with Jo and get her autograph.
UPDATE II: Thanks to Dissendium via HPFZ for letting us know that you can view a video (17.6 MB) of Jo's post-graduation interview. The press release from the event, as well as a new picture of Jo can be seen here.
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Witch
Points: 877
Jaci Scully says:
That's nice and all, but I'm just opposed to honorary degrees on principle. I'm gld she's being honored for her charitable work, but I think a plaque would have done as nicely
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 11:20 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1229
sapphire260 says:
That is cool!!!!!
I really respect her for all of
her contributiond to society
and everyone who needs help from
the community.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 11:24 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1012
Enchanting Fairy says:
That is so cool and she really deserves it.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 11:33 AM EST
Witch
Points: 888
HarrySiriusly says:
Wow, I am so proud of Jo for this. I knew she did many contributions to MS research but to get a degree for it? That is some amazing talent. Jo is such a smart woman. I also liked the photos. It is kinda funny to see her in "robes."
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 11:34 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1823
zues says:
Good job JKR, I like that she's not letting fam go to her head and she is doing great things.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 11:41 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1266
AsiaLovesHP says:
She's just awesome ..
Thank god for JKRowling!
xoxo love asia..
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 11:55 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 367
sparkle_pink says:
Well done Jo! Creative mind, Educated, rich, and has a good heart, what more can she be?!?!
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 11:57 AM EST
Kathe Mera Kalimera
Points: 7720
dominor says:
Aberdeen University??Wow...My best mate was going to go to this ubiversity and study there..But tight now he may stay here..Even i may go there for my Master..
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 11:57 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2351
Skitch says:
You know, as many times as I've heard it, it has only just now while reading this article sunk in that JK is Scottish. haha. Fantastic. All the best things come from there.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 12:05 PM EST
Points: 10165
GodricGryffindor says:
Congradulations Jo! I'm happy for her, she deserves it, she puts so much hard work in the things she believes in.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 12:11 PM EST
Student
Points: 297
Hermione_Harry_Luna says:
Congrats Jo!!! she so cool I'm happy for her She really deserves it!!!
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 12:18 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 906
*The*Physical*Being* says:
Awwwwww bless her, she deserves it, and congratulations to her!!!
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 12:28 PM EST
Squib
Points: 156
Call_Me_Elly says:
Wow! I love they fact that JKR is such a contributing member of society. Her books have always dealt with good and evil, what is right and what is easy, right from wrong. But its nice to compare her literary portrayl of morals and her real life morals. She sets a great example for children today.
LE
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 12:33 PM EST
The Golden Snidget
Points: 3159
Mrs. Phineas Nigellus says:
A thousand times congrats to her! That's got to be an incredible thing to acheive. Thanks to the Society for recognizing what a wonderful woman she is...she deserves it!
*The MRS*
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 12:36 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1234
Krum says:
I love JK she is sooo cool. I want to meet her.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 12:45 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2223
Pheonixflames says:
I thing noone better deserved this honor than JK Rowling. She has done so much to help others and has been so selfless. Congrats to JKR for achieving this award!
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 12:51 PM EST
Sirius's Veil Thrower
Points: 4666
SiriusBlacksGodDaughter says:
*Claps enthusiastically* YEAH! GO JK ROWLING! She's amazing, I must agree. Not a lot of people would give their money to charities and things like that, but she did! She's amazing! WOOT WOOT!
~Drish~
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:00 PM EST
Witch
Points: 642
Fairy Foozle says:
Go JKR! I'm so happy that she has such a great heart! Hopefully that same great heart won't kill Harry in the final book (crosses fingers)
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:04 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3041
ThePhoenix'sSong says:
Congratulations Jo. She should have had to earn it like everyone else, but it is still interesting.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:14 PM EST
Grillows Girl
Points: 2785
Miss Baltimore Crabs says:
Congratulations Jo! You totally deserve it...
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:15 PM EST
Queen of the Yarn Ball
Points: 3844
red&gold says:
Very cool for JKR... It's funny how something you think nothing of can turn out so big... She never even had a publisher or anything and she knew where she wanted to go with the books. She took it there and now she is helping others.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:16 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1050
Phoenix Lover says:
WOW! Thats awesome. Does that mean shes like an honorary doctor? If so, that is so cool. She deserves it. She gives so much money to charites.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:31 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 487
crazy_purple_hp_freak says:
I don't really understand why she is being given a random degree either, but GO JKR!! YOU ROCK!! (now get back to writing book 7 hehe :p)
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:35 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1252
1USHPFN says:
Congratulations to all of Scotland for you have a wonderful gift to the world in Ms. Rowling. Her great many charitalbe contributions are a great inspiration to all. Thank you HPANA and all fan sites for covering these events with as much fervor as the pics of new film sets to lead by example legions of fans to find a cause the love to become involved with.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:43 PM EST
Points: 8028
deemz says:
Oh wow!
That is really cool!
Congrats JKR! you deseve it, and many more!
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:44 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 453
sparkle_fairy92 says:
I am glad that I like an auther that gives back to the community.
Posted Jul 6, 2006 at 1:57 PM EST
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