David Yates, director of Order of the Phoenix – Deathly Hallows 2, has become another Potter crew member to receivean honorary degree. The University of Essex presented him (along with 3 other alumni, and 4 others) with an honorary degree. Yates graduated from Essex in 1987 with a BA in Government. At the graduation ceremony for East 15 Acting School and the Department for Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies he said:

“Today is a celebration of everything you have achieved in your years here. I want to wish you the very, very best for the future.” He urged graduates to maintain the “spirit, energy, conviction and enthusiasm” he had seen during his visit to the Colchester Campus.