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Honorary Awards

The University confers honorary awards on individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in Gloucestershire, nationally or on the international stage.

Pictured: Jaz Coleman, musician, producer and classical composer, Honorary Doctorate of Music

What are Honorary Awards?

University of Gloucestershire awards a handful of Honorary Awards each year, inviting recipients to receive their award at our Graduation ceremonies in November.

There are a number of award types:

Honorary Doctorates are for those who have achieved outstanding distinction in their field, and command international, or at least national, recognition.

Honorary Fellowships are for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the University or the local region. These may, for example, be awarded to recently retired members of staff who have given long or distinguished service beyond the remit of their post.

We also occasionally award Honorary Masters degrees.

Awards are nominated by staff, students and friends of the University, and given by our Academic Board. If you would like to make a nomination, please email communications@glos.ac.uk.

2023 Honorary Awards

As part of the celebrations at Cheltenham Racecourse in November 2023, the University will confer honorary awards on 10 individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in Gloucestershire, nationally or on the international stage.

Kylie Grimes MBE

An athlete, show jumper and aspiring Olympian throughout her life, Kylie continues to train with the University’s Strength and Conditioning team.

Only three years after a life-changing spinal injury in 2006, she returned to competitive sport by cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia and raising money for Regain, a charity supporting newly injured tetraplegics back into sport.

Kylie was the only female member of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Team who won the country’s first Gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, held in 2021. She received an MBE for services to wheelchair rugby in 2022.

Kylie is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in recognition of her international sporting achievements, and her generosity of spirit in supporting future generations forge a career in sport.

Kylie Grimes profile photo

Nick Gazzard

Born in Bristol, Nick studied at St Paul’s College, a predecessor of University of Gloucestershire, and during this time played for Cheltenham Town Football Club.

Following the murder of his daughter, Hollie, in 2014, Nick set up the Hollie Gazzard Trust to try and prevent similar tragedies, by increasing awareness of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and stalking. He advises a wide range of statutory agencies, and speaks at schools, universities and conferences around the UK.

Nick is receiving an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his extensive charity work to keep people safe, and for the contribution and support he has shown to our Criminology, Paramedic and Professional Policing courses, and to our staff researching domestic homicide.

Nick Gazzard stood in park

Karen Carney MBE

Karen is a pioneering former international footballer – winning 144 caps for England – and is now a high-profile sports journalist, widely applauded for her work in supporting the mental health agenda, raising awareness of the impact of online abuse, and as a strong advocate of gender equality.

A graduate of our University – which is an FA Women’s High Performance Football Centre – today Karen is one of the UK’s most respected pundits. She is lead commentator for FA Women’s Super League for Sky Sports, and a columnist for the Guardian, BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC TV.

Karen was presented with an MBE in 2017 for services to football, and is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from our University in recognition of her career in international football and sports journalism.

Karen Carney MBE in pink suit

Dr Phil Cowburn MBE

A consultant in Emergency Medicine at Bristol Royal Infirmary and North Bristol NHS Trust – the regional Major Trauma Centre – Phil is one of the founding members of Great Western Air Ambulance.

He continues to deliver critical care in their helicopter and response car, and is currently the Acute Care Medical Director for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. He also provides advice to regional police specialist units, and is the civilian ambassador advisor to the UK military pre-hospital care board.

In 2021, Phil received an MBE for his outstanding services to pre-hospital emergency care. He is receiving an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his significant career in the field of emergency medicine, and for his contribution to our Paramedic Science programme, which has been inspirational for students and staff.

Phil Cowburn, honorary graduate

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

An interior designer and philanthropist, Laurence studied Fine Art at the Camberwell School of Art and Crafts, and his skills in drawing and understanding of design history have shaped his expertise.

His television credits include presenting BBC and Channel 4 series, Changing Rooms and BBC One documentary, In Search of England’s Green and Pleasant Land.

Laurence and his wife Jackie are patrons of LINC (The Leukaemia & Intensive Chemotherapy Fund) and the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. Laurence is also patron of the children’s charity MERU, which was co founded by his father, Trefor Llewelyn-Bowen, with Bill Bond in 1970.

Laurence has developed supportive links with our Fashion and Interior Design programmes, and is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Arts in recognition of his achievements in design and philanthropy, and his support and inspiration of our students.

Photography credit: Steve Thorp

Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen

Dr Ingrid Pollard MBE

In a career which stretches back four decades, Ingrid has been instrumental in establishing photography as a leading art form, both in the UK and internationally.

Ingrid was born in Georgetown, Guyana in 1953. A photographer, media artist and researcher, she is one of the leading figures in contemporary British art.

Ingrid has exhibited her work in a wide range of national and international venues, and her work has been collected by the Arts Council Collection, the V&A museum and the Tate.

Last year, she was one of four artists nominated for the prestigious Turner Prize, and in 2023, she received an MBE for services to art.

Ingrid is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Arts in recognition of her significant career in arts and photography, and also her inspiring support of our Photography programmes.

Photography credit: Emile Holba

Ingrid Pollard, Honorary graduate

Teddy Burton

Teddy is a former Law student at University of Gloucestershire, graduating in 2010.

Today he is Chair of the Community Legitimacy Panel (CLP) in Gloucestershire, and an inspirational speaker on racial inequalities at events including the Black Police Association Conference in October 2022.

The CLP works to improve the experience of policing of ethnically diverse communities in the county, and includes nurses, broadcasters, students, and other public service-minded individuals. The panel’s work has been cited by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services as a significant contributor to engaging with communities, and treating people with fairness and respect.

Teddy is receiving an Honorary Fellowship for his contribution and leadership in promoting better relationships between the police and communities in Gloucestershire, and for his achievements as an alumnus.

Teddy Burton at event

Rupert Walters

Chair of the Race and Equality Commission in Gloucester, Rupert is a social entrepreneur and business owner.

Dissatisfied by the pace of change to alleviate inequalities, he started The Jigsaw, a Community Interest Group to create definitive change for black and minoritised groups.

The Jigsaw aims to build constructive collaborative partnerships that will innovate, lead and connect regional and national strategies and benefit communities.

It was through the Race and Equality Commission that the University began working with Rupert, establishing a Black, Asian Minority Ethnic Business Network, with meetings hosted both in the community and on campus.

Rupert is receiving an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his exceptional commitment and leadership in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in Gloucester and beyond, and also for his support in our efforts to promote these values throughout the University.

Rupert Walters profile shot

Chris Cundy

Chris is a Cheltenham-based musician who studied painting at the Cheltenham Art College, a predecessor of University of Gloucestershire.

His approach to music has established his reputation at the forefront of British contemporary classical and improvised music, with an extensive back catalogue of releases on major labels including Polydor and Geffen.

Collaborations and tours have seen him working with acclaimed artists, including sessions for Moby and The Blind Boys of Alabama, and playing saxophone in the Mercury Prize nominated band, Guillemots.

In the county, he leads the Cheltenham Improvisers’ Orchestra, enabling established and early career musicians to develop and maintain their practice in creative music making.

Chris is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Music in recognition of his outstanding international contemporary classical and improvised music career, and for the support he has provided for staff and students on our Music and Sound programmes.

Chris Cundy portrait

Jill Douglas

Jill has made a lasting impact on both sports broadcasting and in the campaign to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease.

Jill originally fronted Border TV’s Lookaround news magazine, before presenting BBC Scotland’s rugby union coverage on Sportscene in 1997. Since then, she has been a presenter and reporter for broadcasters including BBC, Sky, ITV and BT Sport, covering the Olympics, Rugby World Cups, cycling and snooker. Jill has also guest lectured for our Sports Journalism students.

She is chief executive of the My Name’5 Doddie charity, established by the late rugby union player Doddie Weir to raise funds for research and support around MND, and received an MBE for her services to sport and charity in 2022.

Jill is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy for her contribution to sports journalism, and her commitment to charitable works.

Jill Douglas stood outside

2022 Honorary Awards

Baronnes Rennie Fritchie DBE

Baroness Rennie Fritchie DBE

As our former University Chancellor, Rennie has been tireless in her support, helping us to grow and flourish, offering not only her time as a public representative and face of the University, but also as a wise and confidential counsellor. 

After 10 years, Rennie stepped down as Chancellor this year, and in recognition of her support over many decades, and a life of public service, she is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of the University, the most senior level of honorary award we confer.  

Professor Christina Hong

Christina is President of the Technological and Higher Education Institute (THEi) in Hong Kong, a key UoG partner. Along with a proposed THEi research centre, and joint supervision of PhD students, we have benefited from students attending School of Arts summer schools, and THEi students studying in Cheltenham. 

A creative role model in the industry, Christina is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Arts in recognition of her significant contributions towards the important relationship between the university and the THEi.

Professor Christina Hong
Dato’ Seri Dr Michael Tio

Dato’ Seri Dr Michael Tio

Dato Michael is the CEO and Managing Director of PKT Logistics Group in Malaysia, a partner of UoG, which delivers degree education to local young people in Business, Accounting, Logistics and the MBA. 

He is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in recognition of his significant leadership of, and contribution to, the partnership, which owes much to Dato Michael’s own personal commitment to the importance of skills and training, and his enthusiasm in promoting enterprise, employability and professional qualifications. 

Clive Lewis

Clive is one of the country’s most sought-after mediators and is the founder and Chief Executive of Globis Mediation Group. His work has taken him across four continents and has included advising governments outside the UK.

Clive was awarded the OBE for Public Service in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2011 and appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of the county of Gloucestershire in 2012. He is receiving an Honorary Fellowship for his significant career in HR training consultancy, and for his outstanding contributions to Gloucestershire.  

Clive Lewis
Richard Yorke

Richard Yorke

Richard is a well-known, and respected, figure in the cyber and technology community. He is one of the founding Directors, and current Managing Director, of Cyber Cheltenham (CyNam). 

Richard is receiving an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his significant national career in the cyber and technology sphere, and for his important contributions to Gloucestershire, as well as his support for cyber education within the School of Computing and Engineering at our University.

Martin Houghton-Brown

Martin became Chief Executive of St John Ambulance in 2018 and is an alumnus of the Cheltenham College of Higher Education, a predecessor of UoG.

Martin ensured that St John supported the NHS through the pandemic with 1.5 million volunteer hours in communities, hospitals and ambulances. Today, Martin is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Science for his significant career in public service, in particular in the field of public health, and commitment to helping others throughout his career.

Martin Houghton-Brown
Luke Jerram

Luke Jerram

Luke is an alumnus of the Cheltenham College of Art, a predecessor of UoG. Today he is an internationally acclaimed artist, with works including his giant Earth artwork, Gaia, seen by 10 million people around the world.

Luke is receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his significant international career in the field of public artwork, and as an alumnus and inspiration to the students of our University.

Anna Saunders

Anna studied Creative and Critical Writing MA at UoG. Today she is founder and executive director of the Cheltenham Poetry Festival, providing a range of invaluable opportunities to our student.

Anna is receiving an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the county of Gloucestershire through her work with the Cheltenham Poetry Festival, and her significant support for University students and staff across a range of programmes. 

Anna Saunders

2021 Honorary Awards

Sir Tony Cragg

Sir Tony Cragg CBE RA

Alumnus and internationally renowned sculptor, Sir Tony Cragg CBE RA, won the Turner Prize in 1988, and today his work can be found in collections around the world. Creating the Skulpturenpark Waldfrieden in Germany in 2008, he was made a Knight Bachelor for services to visual art and UK-German relations in 2016.

He received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts as an alumnus for his significant contribution to the arts, research and collaborative practice.

Lord Robin Janvrin GCB, GCVO, QSO, PC

Born in Cheltenham, Lord Janvrin has held a range of notable positions including First Secretary at the mission to NATO, Officer of the Diplomatic Service, First Secretary in New Delhi and both Press and Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II.

Lord Janvrin received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy for his distinguished international career in public service, and his support for the county of Gloucestershire in the House of Lords.

Lord Robin Janvrin
Tom Herbert

Tom Herbert

Tom Herbert has appeared in print and television as one of The Fabulous Baker Brothers with his brother Henry. Collaborating with the Diocese of Gloucester, he created the Feeding the Five Thousand project, distributing 31,000 meals in 2020.

Tom received an Honorary Fellowship for his contribution to the community, and passion for providing for those in need.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans is a horticulturalist who set up The Butterfly Garden in Cheltenham, a free community resource charity for individuals and groups whose lives are affected by disability.

Chris received an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his significant contribution to the county, supporting vulnerable communities through the development of environmental activity.

Chris Evans
Peter Lachecki

Peter Lachecki

Peter Lachecki is Chair of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a position he has held since November 2016. He is also Chair of Research 4 Gloucestershire, a collaboration delivering world-class health and care research, strengthening connections between academia and practice.

Peter received an Honorary Fellowship for his career within the National Health Service, and his support in developing our portfolio of Nursing and Allied Health degree programmes.

Rešad Trbonja

Rešad Trbonja was just 19 when the war in Bosnia began. He has since worked with Remembering Srebrenica, raising awareness that the roots of genocide lie in the mundane acts of othering, stereotyping and dehumanisation that he witnessed.

Rešad received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy for his significant commitment to the role of learning within social justice and change, dedication to community and citizenship, and working with our School of Natural, Social and Sport Sciences.

Resad Trbonja
Janina Ramirez

Dr Janina Ramirez

Dr Janina Ramirez is a leading cultural historian, broadcaster and author, based at the University of Oxford and passionate about sharing her subject through broadcasting, new media and print.

Janina received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy for her significant career in history and broadcast television, and for her contribution to UoG through her work with the Gloucester History Festival.

2020 Honorary Awards

Jaz Coleman

Jaz Coleman

Born in Cheltenham, Jaz Coleman is an internationally renowned musician, having fronted the highly influential band, Killing Joke, from 1978.

Jaz received an Honorary Doctorate of Music for his significant contribution to contemporary and classical music.

Marcus Davey OBE CBE

Chief executive of concert venue, the Roundhouse, Marcus Davey received an Honorary Doctorate of the Arts for his contribution to performing arts and support of the university.

Marcus Davey
Tim Lindsay

Tim Lindsay

Tim Lindsay is chairman of the advertising and awards educational organisation, D&AD.

He received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his contribution to the creative advertising industry, and support of staff and students at UoG through the D&AD.

Deborah Lee

Chief Executive of the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Deborah Lee has been nationally recognised by the Health Service Journal as one of the Top 50 Inspirational Women in Healthcare.

She received an Honorary Fellowship for her contribution to healthcare, and her support for UoG in establishing our new portfolio of Nursing and Allied Health degree programmes.

Deborah Lee
Peter Edwards

Peter Edwards

Internationally renowned portrait artist and alumnus, Peter Edwards received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his contribution to portraiture, and taking it a new direction.

Sir Jeremy Fleming KCMG CB

Sir Jeremy Fleming is Director of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), he received an Honorary Doctorate of Science for GCHQ’s contribution to the county and his support of the university.

Sir Jeremy Fleming
Eve Jardin-Young

Eve Jardine-Young DL

Eve Jardine-Young DL has been principal of Cheltenham Ladies College since 2011, and she has also played a significant part in establishing the newly formed Cheltenham Educational Partnership, which brings together local secondary schools with UoG.

She received an Honorary Fellowship for her contribution to education in the county.

Rob Fountain

Rob Fountains is a former Executive Officer of Age UK Gloucestershire and has a wealth of experience drawn from advocacy work and social care.

He received an Honorary Fellowship for his contribution to the county and supporting elderly communities.

Rob Fountain
Mariam Khan

Mariam Khan

Mariam Khan is a writer and editor. Frustrated at how Muslim women are spoken about by the media, politicians and white feminists, she complied an anthology of essays by Muslim women about what it is to be a Muslim women in the West today called “It’s Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race.”

She received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy for her achievements in providing a platform for Muslim women and giving a voice to the wide-ranging experiences of Muslim women living in the West.

Jeremy Lake

Having formerly spent many years at Historic England, Jeremy Lake now runs his own historic environment agency and works closely with the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), based at UoG.

He received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in recognition of his distinguished contribution within the field of the historic environment, and the valuable contribution he has made to the CCRI, and to staff and students across the university.

Jeremy Lake
Peter Lord and David Sproxton

David Sproxton CBE & Peter Lord CBE

Aardman has gained a place in hearts around the world with Oscar winning animated films featuring the endearing Wallace and Gromit as well as Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep and Early Man.

Founders David Sproxton CBE, and Peter Lord CBE, both received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts in recognition of their distinguished contribution to the field of animation, particularly their achievements through Aardman, and their support of the School of Media.

Dr Bernice Thomson

Dr Bernice Thomson left school with four GCSE equivalents. Today she has a PhD and has spent her working life giving people in Gloucestershire a voice.

Now working for Cheltenham’s West End partnership, and supporting students through placements and lecturing, Bernice received an Honorary Fellowship for her inspiring contribution to the local community.

Bernice Thomson

Previous years Honorary Awards

The following are previous recipients of honorary awards from UoG: