Wintec News

Topp Twins receive first honorary degree

Posted On: Thursday, 29 April 2010

Jools and Lynda Topp received their first honorary degree recently - a Master of Arts (Music) from Wintec.

The honorary degree was conferred upon the twins at Wintec’s annual graduation ceremonies in Hamilton. They were supported by their parents Peter and Jean Topp, brother Bruce Topp and manager of more than 20 years Arani Cuthbert.

The twins were ‘pretty excited’ about receiving the honour.

“We thought it was a joke at first so we were pretty chuffed when we realised it was real. We’re not going to become professors over night though,” said Lynda.

The degree was awarded by Wintec’s chair of council Gordon Chesterman in recognition of their outstanding and distinguished contribution over the last 30 years, not least of which is the worldwide acclaim for their documentary, The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls. The pair will travel to the United States in June to tour in the wake of the film’s success.

More than 1,550 students graduated from Wintec this week with certificates, diplomas, degrees and post-graduate qualifications.