The duo were presented the awards today during the degree ceremony for the College of Engineering.
Dennis Gethin was born in Seven Sisters near Neath and has managed a successful career in both rugby and in Law, graduating from Cambridge in 1967 and qualifying as a solicitor in 1971.
He was Chief Executive of Taff Ely Borough Council between 1982 and 1996. He later took up sports administration, and became Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union, a post he held for five years until 2002. After retirement from the WRU he joined the BBC Broadcasting Council in Wales and was a member from 2004-2009.
In 2007 he was elected President of the Welsh Rugby Union, an office he continues to hold.
On receiving his award, Dennis Gethin said: “Ever since I was a schoolboy at Neath Grammar School I was always aware of the great esteem that Swansea University was held in, and, as my debut in first class rugby was at Swansea RFC at St Helen’s rugby ground as a nineteen year old, I truly appreciated its superb location.
“The University has a marvellous reputation both at home and abroad and I am truly delighted at the great honour you have decided to bestow on me – it is something I will always cherish.”
Alun Wyn Jones, added: “The award is pretty special to be honest. When I left university after a five-year degree, I thought my potential achievements going forward would have been centred around my rugby career.
£But to be awarded this is special and pretty humbling. Thus I would like to thank the University for the award. I fondly remember my time at Swansea and particularly a Varsity win. In the future, knowing a career in sport doesn’t last forever, I won’t rule out returning to further my qualifications.”
