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  • Why Susan Boyle Deserves Honorary Degree

    Susan Boyle's honorary doctorate was awarded ' in recognition of her contribution to the creative industries' and 'for the relevance of her work to society at large'.

    When Susan Boyle appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2009, she became almost instantly world famous, thanks to her performance of 'I Dreamed A Dream' from Les Miserables which then appeared on YouTube. Via word of mouth, news of her performance quickly spread and it became the most viewed YouTube video of the year. In fact, to this day, no other performer has so quickly reached 90 million views as Susan did.

    She did not win the show, but placed second. She went on to tour with the BGT show a few weeks later, performing in 22 of 28 shows on the tour.

    She then immediately recorded her first album, which became the best selling album of 2009 in just six weeks, and the best selling debut album by a female in history. She also became the oldest person in history (48) to have her debut album open at #1. Susan won the 'Gold Disc Award' for top international artist in Japan, and the 'Golden Chinese Music Award' as most influential international artist in China. Her second album, 'The Gift' made her the first woman in history to have her first 2 albums open at #1 on both sides of the Atlantic within one year. She also became the first woman in USA charting to reach #1 on Billboard 200 with a holiday album Her third album, 'Someone to Watch Over Me', made her the first woman in 65 years of UK charts to have her first three albums debut at #1 in less than 2 years. Her first three albums have all placed in the top 5 on Billboard 200, USA. Her first two albums have both received Grammy nominations. She was the best selling UK artist in the world in both 2009 and 2010. In her first 14 months alone, she sold 14 million albums and Sony presented her with a huge plaque to honor the achievement. To date (less than 3 years) she has over 120 platinum and gold records in 38 countries with sales estimated between 18 and 20 million.

    In Scotland she has twice won 'Scot of the Year' competitions and was presented with an 'Outstanding Achievement' award at the 2011 Scottish Variety Awards.

    Along with such success, she performed throughout Europe, Japan, China, Australia and the USA. She released an autobiography. In 2012 a stage musical about her life opened. Titled 'The Susan Boyle Stage Musical, I Dreamed A Dream', it toured for 11 weeks and received excellent reviews from both the critics and audience members across the UK and Ireland. It starred Scottish actress Elaine C Smith, with Susan appearing at the end at some performances, singing two songs. The musical will reopen in Scotland in the fall, with future dates to be announced.

    The 3 writers of the song, 'I Dreamed A Dream' and the producer of Les Miserables, are all on record crediting Susan with reviving interest in Les Miserables. After a very long run around the world, ticket sales had been in serious decline with some theatres considering closing the show. After the astounding coverage she received via YouTube, ticket sales soared around the world. Lyrics writer Alain Boublil said in fact, that for Les Mis, Susan Boyle was 'a gift from heaven'. Alain Boublil Music Ltd. granted Susan Boyle the rights to use the song and the title in the musical about her own life; it is not difficult to understand why.

    It would be impossible now to count the views of Susan's original audition video, so many versions have been uploaded, some have been withdrawn. However, in October, 2010, almost a year and a half after it first aired, a version was uploaded titled 'One of the Best Inspirational Videos Ever' and to date has received over 62 million additional views all by itself. Many people have been inspired by Susan's courage in the face of adversity, and there are endless blogs to prove it, relating how people have returned to university as mature students, begun writing/painting/singing, etc, or even begun to travel late in life, all because they have been inspired by her example.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSrAJsWvEIc

    Susan has also in her very short public life been involved extensively in a number of charities. We can know only those which use her face/appearance or name - what she does privately of course we can't know, but her public record is already extensive.

    In 2010 with less than a year of professional experience under her belt Susan performed live before a crowd of 70,000 people and an internet/television audience estimated at one billion at the Papal Mass in Scotland. She has also performed for and been presented to the Prince of Wales, and the Queen - at Windsor Palace for her Diamond Jubilee.

    And all of this is because she dared to dream a dream. And never gave up.
    Last edited by CanadianBill; 07-08-2012, 01:39 PM.
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    Click on the upper left "Amazon.com" (.co.uk, or .ca) to buy anything.
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  • #2
    Originally posted by CanadianBill View Post
    Susan Boyle's honorary doctorate was awarded ' in recognition of her contribution to the creative industries' and 'for the relevance of her work to society at large'.

    When Susan Boyle appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2009, she became almost instantly world famous, thanks to her performance of 'I Dreamed A Dream' from Les Miserables which then appeared on YouTube. Via word of mouth, news of her performance quickly spread and it became the most viewed YouTube video of the year. In fact, to this day, no other performer has so quickly reached 90 million views as Susan did.

    She did not win the show, but placed second. She went on to tour with the BGT show a few weeks later, performing in 22 of 28 shows on the tour.

    She then immediately recorded her first album, which became the best selling album of 2009 in just six weeks, and the best selling debut album by a female in history. She also became the oldest person in history (48) to have her debut album open at #1. Susan won the 'Gold Disc Award' for top international artist in Japan, and the 'Golden Chinese Music Award' as most influential international artist in China. Her second album, 'The Gift' made her the first woman in history to have her first 2 albums open at #1 on both sides of the Atlantic within one year. She also became the first woman in USA charting to reach #1 on Billboard 200 with a holiday album Her third album, 'Someone to Watch Over Me', made her the first woman in 65 years of UK charts to have her first three albums debut at #1 in less than 2 years. Her first three albums have all placed in the top 5 on Billboard 200, USA. Her first two albums have both received Grammy nominations. She was the best selling UK artist in the world in both 2009 and 2010. In her first 14 months alone, she sold 14 million albums and Sony presented her with a huge plaque to honor the achievement. To date (less than 3 years) she has over 120 platinum and gold records in 38 countries with sales estimated between 18 and 20 million.

    In Scotland she has twice won 'Scot of the Year' competitions and was presented with an 'Outstanding Achievement' award at the 2011 Scottish Variety Awards.

    Along with such success, she performed throughout Europe, Japan, China, Australia and the USA. She released an autobiography. In 2012 a stage musical about her life opened. Titled 'The Susan Boyle Stage Musical, I Dreamed A Dream', it toured for 11 weeks and received excellent reviews from both the critics and audience members across the UK and Ireland. It starred Scottish actress Elaine C Smith, with Susan appearing at the end at some performances, singing two songs. The musical will reopen in Scotland in the fall, with future dates to be announced.

    The 3 writers of the song, 'I Dreamed A Dream' and the producer of Les Miserables, are all on record crediting Susan with reviving interest in Les Miserables. After a very long run around the world, ticket sales had been in serious decline with some theatres considering closing the show. After the astounding coverage she received via YouTube, ticket sales soared around the world. Lyrics writer Alain Boublil said in fact, that for Les Mis, Susan Boyle was 'a gift from heaven'. Alain Boublil Music Ltd. granted Susan Boyle the rights to use the song and the title in the musical about her own life; it is not difficult to understand why.

    It would be impossible now to count the views of Susan's original audition video, so many versions have been uploaded, some have been withdrawn. However, in October, 2010, almost a year and a half after it first aired, a version was uploaded titled 'One of the Best Inspirational Videos Ever' and to date has received over 62 million additional views all by itself. Many people have been inspired by Susan's courage in the face of adversity, and there are endless blogs to prove it, relating how people have returned to university as mature students, begun writing/painting/singing, etc, or even begun to travel late in life, all because they have been inspired by her example.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSrAJsWvEIc

    Susan has also in her very short public life been involved extensively in a number of charities. We can know only those which use her face/appearance or name - what she does privately of course we can't know, but her public record is already extensive.

    And all of this is because she dared to dream a dream. And never gave up.
    Too bad you don't have a blog, Bill, so I could tweet the link to this lovely summary.

    Comment


    • #3
      Beautifully written, Bill. And absolutely correct.

      Comment


      • #4
        What a wonderful writer you are, Bill. I loved reading this and it is so spot on in every way. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by trennie View Post
          Too bad you don't have a blog, Bill, so I could tweet the link to this lovely summary.
          Bill, that is a brilliant summary. I thought the same thing as Trennie. The link to that should be tweeted for the information of those ignorant persons who comment that she didn't earn the award.
          You who think yourself young, just have a look at this woman, she has kept a heart of gold and a pure soul … (French commentator)

          Please support your Forum: You may buy anything from Amazon through the SuboStore by clicking on "Shopping" (light-blue banner at top of page).

          Comment


          • #6
            This article, written because Susan was getting her honorary degree, talks about other celebs who've gotten similar degrees at Scottish universities:

            Results for Basic Search Keyword (susan boyle) LIMITS: With Full Text
            Title:THE FREE DEGREES; CELEBRITIES WHO GOT LETTERS AFTER THEIR NAMES WITHOUT SITTING ANY EXAMS Stars who've been given Doctorates by universities
            Sourceaily Record (Glasgow, Scotland). (July 5, 2012): News: p20.
            Document Type:Article
            Full Text: Scottish Daily Record & Sunday
            Full Text:
            Byline: Beverley Lyons

            ACADEMICS and celebrities used to mix in different circles but, nowadays, it appears anyone famous can put on a funny hat and gown and be awarded a doctorate for their achievements.

            Violinist Nicola Benedetti, actor David Hayman and singer Barbara Dickson donned their gowns the other day.

            And tomorrow, it will be Susan Boyle's turn.

            Some universities offer people a chance to gain their own honorary degree by making a donation.

            Others ask for nominations based on their achievements, while some decide to bestow honours on those who set a good example.

            In Scotland, universities have shelled out more than pounds 100,000 on honorary degrees for celebrities and others in the public eye.

            Although I have my MA hons from Glasgow Uni, I thought it was about time I got a few more letters to my name so contacted one website that offered instant honorary degrees.

            I was told by www.educationforcareer.com that for $845, or $699 if I registered today, I could buy a doctorate. Cambell State University has a good reputation (until you look at some of the "scam" comments on line).

            "You can use it for any educational, employment and immigration purposes," I was told.

            So, based on my job at The Record writing about celebrities, could I get a doctorate in showbiz? Unfortunately not - "That is not major" I was told. z? a a, Anything else to do with media, PR, marketing, languages or management, in my case, would, however, be fine.

            From now on, you can call me Doctor - maybe.

            e From sporting greats to Kermit the Frog from the Muppets, we have a look at those who have managed to get some honours bestowed upon them without necessarily having to cram for exams.

            ANNIE LENNOX, 57 HONORARY DEGREE: A Doctor of Music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2006, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, Doctor Honoris Causa from Edinburgh University in 2009, Doctor of Open University in 2012.

            The singer and political activist said: "I'm very happy to be here, even though I feel like a complete fraud. In another incarnation I would have loved to have taken a degree in anthropology or psychology but, as a moderate renegade, my university has turned out to be the one of life." ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: Annie dropped out of her course at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studied the flute and classical music for three years in the 70s.

            BILLY CONNOLLY, 69 HONORARY DEGREE: In 2001, Billy was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters by Glasgow University. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by Glasgow's Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) for his service to performing arts in 2006 and in 2010 received an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from Nottingham Trent University.

            The actor and comedian said: "It's an enormous honour, especially from academia, because my behaviour over the years hasn't exactly been academic."

            ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: At 15, he left school with two engineering qualifications, became a delivery boy, then started his working life as an apprentice at the Govan shipyard in Glasgow.

            ODDEST DEGREE Kermit the Frog was an Honorary awarded Letters of Amphibious in Doctorate to in 1996 by Long Island University objected the US. Some students However, to a Muppet.

            giving a degree an address delivered Kermit for the his efforts recognising Southampton environment. said his song It's Not College Easy Bein' Green had become a rallying cry for some environmentalists.

            TILDA SWINTON, 51 HONORARY DEGREE: A Doctorate of Drama, from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) in 2006.

            The Hollywood star of We Need to Talk About Kevin said: "It's very exciting. I've always wanted to be a doctor. I've even been asking if I can get a stethoscope.

            "It is a bitter irony to be here but it's a lovely opportunity. I was expensively over-educated and learned nothing at all."

            ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: In 1983, she graduated from New Hall (now known as Murray Edwards College) at Cambridge University with a degree in Social and Political Sciences.

            NICKY CAMPBELL, 51 HONORARY DEGREE: A Doctor of Letters at Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University in 2008.

            The BBC presenter said: "Since leaving university I've never had a real job but with this degree I can now go out and get one." is om ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: Nicky graduated from Aberdeen University with a 2:1 in History after going there in 1978.

            FRED MACAULAY, 55 HONORARY DEGREE: He received an honorary Doctorate of Law from Dundee University in 2006 The comedian and BBC presenter said: "I was chuffed to bits."

            ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: In 1978, he graduated from Dundee University with an MA in accountancy and jurisprudence. He also has a certificate from Fife's Elmwood College, which qualifies him to work as a potato-roguer.

            CHRIS HOY, 36 HONORARY DEGREE: Sir Chris was made a Doctor of Science by St Andrews University in 2009 The Olympic champion cyclist told students: "It's not about me today, this is about you guys. It's about all your achievements. It's the end of one chapter, and the rest of your life is in front of you to do whatever you want to do."

            ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: Chris studied Mathematics and Physics at St Andrews University from 1994 to 1996 but the lure of cycling put him off his studies. He transferred to Edinburgh University to pursue his sporting career and graduated in 1999 with a BSc Honours in Applied Sports Science.

            JK ROWLING, 46 HONORARY DEGREE: Honorary degrees from St Andrews University (Doctor of Letters in 2000), Edinburgh University (Doctor Honoris Causa in 2004) Napier University (Doctor of Letters in 2000), Exeter University (Doctor of Letters in 2000), Aberdeen University (Doctor of Laws in 2006) and Harvard University (Doctor of Letters in 2008).

            The Harry Potter author said: "The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means you are ever after secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity." ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: A BA in French and Classics at Exeter University in 1986.

            SUSAN BOYLE, 51 HONORARY DEGREE: Susan Boyle will receive an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh's Queen Margaret University tomorrow.

            ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: The singer studied for a certificate in caring at the university and was at West Lothian College as a trainee cook in the kitchen.

            JOHN BARROWMAN, 45 HONORARY DEGREE: John received a Doctor of Drama from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2011.

            The singer and actor said: "I wasn't able to finish my degree, which I was coming over to the UK to get. And 21 years later, I've finally got it. You can call me Doctor now."

            ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: John was studying performing arts at the United States International University. He returned to the UK in 1989 to study Shakespeare for six months but never completed it.

            ALEX FERGUSON, 71 HONORARY DEGREE: Sir Alex received an honorary doctorate from Manchester University in 2011 and was made a Doctor of Stirling University in the same year.

            The Man United boss said: "I've had many honours. I still appreciate what Stirling University has done for me, making me a Doctor. I appreciate that, as do all my family. Don't take it lightly, it's a great honour."

            ACTUAL QUALIFICATION: University of life. Alex made his debut as a striker aged 16 and also worked in the Clyde shipyards as an apprentice tool worker.

            Beverley Lyons

            Comment


            • #7
              Thanks, counic. This was great.
              http://gratefulness.org/light-a-candle

              "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop

              Comment


              • #8
                Thanks counic. There is actually a great deal of info about others who have received such degrees, including a Sex in the City actress. Many are clearly deserving, others do make you wonder.

                trennie and Moll, thanks re tweeting, that is exactly what I wrote it for. :>)
                "Support our Forum using the Subo store for your online shopping.
                Click on the upper left "Amazon.com" (.co.uk, or .ca) to buy anything.
                http://susan-boyle.com/pages/SubostoreUSA
                http://susan-boyle.com/pages/SubostoreUK
                http://susan-boyle.com/pages/SubostoreCA

                Comment


                • #9
                  This thread is just "singing to the choir." We all know what Susan has done. Queen Margaret University thought Susan deserved an honorary degree. Those who think she shouldn't have gotten it will still think the same and so will those who think she should. The rest is wasted words. Now that picture from ndcoop, well that's different.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by CanadianBill View Post
                    ... trennie and Moll, thanks re tweeting, that is exactly what I wrote it for. :>)
                    Bill, can a link to your summary be tweeted from here? I know nothing about Twitter. Or can the link be posted in response to those comments in the tabloid?
                    You who think yourself young, just have a look at this woman, she has kept a heart of gold and a pure soul … (French commentator)

                    Please support your Forum: You may buy anything from Amazon through the SuboStore by clicking on "Shopping" (light-blue banner at top of page).

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      The academic achievements of folks being granted honorary degrees is irrelevant.

                      There are other important standards of achievement.

                      I have 3 degrees and am just shy of a doctorate and giving people honorary degrees has no meaning or effect on my degree. I remember how irked some old cranks were at UofT when Stompin' Tom Connors [composer of 'The Hockey Song'] was given an honorary degree. The students thought it was great!

                      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxJvrD80nJ4
                      "Susan Boyle lived the thug life. You work it, Baby Doll"
                      [A tweet]

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Have to say it looked to me like a 3-page cut-down of Susan's degree. Hope Bill's great article of her actual accomplishments can be gotten somewhere it can be seen.
                        "Dear Father hear and bless thy beasts and singing birds, and guard with tenderness small things that have no words."

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by CanadianBill View Post
                          Thanks counic. There is actually a great deal of info about others who have received such degrees, including a Sex in the City actress. Many are clearly deserving, others do make you wonder.

                          trennie and Moll, thanks re tweeting, that is exactly what I wrote it for. :>)
                          I just tweeted it as well. To those who have twitter that's a great summary and very good to have it out right now to answer the critics.
                          No sweeping exits or offstage lines
                          Could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by CanadianBill View Post
                            Susan Boyle's honorary doctorate was awarded ' in recognition of her contribution to the creative industries' and 'for the relevance of her work to society at large'.

                            When Susan Boyle appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2009, she became almost instantly world famous, thanks to her performance of 'I Dreamed A Dream' from Les Miserables which then appeared on YouTube. Via word of mouth, news of her performance quickly spread and it became the most viewed YouTube video of the year. In fact, to this day, no other performer has so quickly reached 90 million views as Susan did.

                            She did not win the show, but placed second. She went on to tour with the BGT show a few weeks later, performing in 22 of 28 shows on the tour.

                            She then immediately recorded her first album, which became the best selling album of 2009 in just six weeks, and the best selling debut album by a female in history. She also became the oldest person in history (48) to have her debut album open at #1. Susan won the 'Gold Disc Award' for top international artist in Japan, and the 'Golden Chinese Music Award' as most influential international artist in China. Her second album, 'The Gift' made her the first woman in history to have her first 2 albums open at #1 on both sides of the Atlantic within one year. She also became the first woman in USA charting to reach #1 on Billboard 200 with a holiday album Her third album, 'Someone to Watch Over Me', made her the first woman in 65 years of UK charts to have her first three albums debut at #1 in less than 2 years. Her first three albums have all placed in the top 5 on Billboard 200, USA. Her first two albums have both received Grammy nominations. She was the best selling UK artist in the world in both 2009 and 2010. In her first 14 months alone, she sold 14 million albums and Sony presented her with a huge plaque to honor the achievement. To date (less than 3 years) she has over 120 platinum and gold records in 38 countries with sales estimated between 18 and 20 million.

                            In Scotland she has twice won 'Scot of the Year' competitions and was presented with an 'Outstanding Achievement' award at the 2011 Scottish Variety Awards.

                            Along with such success, she performed throughout Europe, Japan, China, Australia and the USA. She released an autobiography. In 2012 a stage musical about her life opened. Titled 'The Susan Boyle Stage Musical, I Dreamed A Dream', it toured for 11 weeks and received excellent reviews from both the critics and audience members across the UK and Ireland. It starred Scottish actress Elaine C Smith, with Susan appearing at the end at some performances, singing two songs. The musical will reopen in Scotland in the fall, with future dates to be announced.

                            The 3 writers of the song, 'I Dreamed A Dream' and the producer of Les Miserables, are all on record crediting Susan with reviving interest in Les Miserables. After a very long run around the world, ticket sales had been in serious decline with some theatres considering closing the show. After the astounding coverage she received via YouTube, ticket sales soared around the world. Lyrics writer Alain Boublil said in fact, that for Les Mis, Susan Boyle was 'a gift from heaven'. Alain Boublil Music Ltd. granted Susan Boyle the rights to use the song and the title in the musical about her own life; it is not difficult to understand why.

                            It would be impossible now to count the views of Susan's original audition video, so many versions have been uploaded, some have been withdrawn. However, in October, 2010, almost a year and a half after it first aired, a version was uploaded titled 'One of the Best Inspirational Videos Ever' and to date has received over 62 million additional views all by itself. Many people have been inspired by Susan's courage in the face of adversity, and there are endless blogs to prove it, relating how people have returned to university as mature students, begun writing/painting/singing, etc, or even begun to travel late in life, all because they have been inspired by her example.
                            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSrAJsWvEIc

                            Susan has also in her very short public life been involved extensively in a number of charities. We can know only those which use her face/appearance or name - what she does privately of course we can't know, but her public record is already extensive.

                            And all of this is because she dared to dream a dream. And never gave up.
                            This is wonderful, thank you. I wish more people felt the way you and the rest of her fans do. This sums it all up beautifully. Susan deserves this award and it makes me angry that so many people are mean spirited about it. They don't seem to get it, this has to do not with what she has accomplished in school but what she has accomplished in life and the effect that she has had and still does in the music industry, the people who have come to love and admire her for her courage, and in her private life in regards to her charitable work. She has given many people hope that they didn't have before.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Beautifully written, CB!! I''m going to print that out and put it in my folder so I don't forget. Thank you for writing it.
                              Susan has done so much and given so much for so many people, publically and privately, and it's no wonder she is being granted such an honor. It boggles my mind that there would be any controversy at all over this issue.
                              Jean W Kirkland = SB Fan!
                              sigpicImagine where she'll be 20 years from now - where she will have gone, who she will have inspired, given hope to, even mentored.
                              Bless this woman for who she is! Honest, Wholesome, Real and Persevering!
                              (Taken from Youtube comment 2009)

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