Honorary Graduates
At Birmingham Newman University, we celebrate individuals whose outstanding contributions reflect our core values of social justice, leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Each year, we award honorary degrees to those who have made a lasting impact in their fields—whether in education, community service, the arts, or public life.
These distinguished individuals embody the spirit of Birmingham Newman University, inspiring our students and wider community to strive for excellence, integrity, and positive change.
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- Dr Dawn Casserley – Doctor of Educaition
- Saidul Haque Saeed – Doctor of Letters
- Joe Fraser – Doctor of Letters
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- Pro Chancellor installed – Julie Etchingham
- Jasmine Gardosi – Doctor of Letters
- Lynne Baird, MBE – Doctor of Education
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- Jeevan Singh Chagger – Doctor of Sport
- Her Honour Judge Carole Burgher – Doctor of Literature
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Due to COVID, no graduation ceremony took place.
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Due to COVID, no graduation ceremony took place.
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Marcia McLaughlin – Honorary Doctor of Letters
Awarded for her considerable achievements in bringing together people from all backgrounds and communities across the Commonwealth and beyond in a positive and celebratory way through the medium of the written word.
Margaret Walsh, IJS – Honorary Doctor of Laws
Awarded for her visionary and inspirational work over many years to help those who find themselves marginalised in society.
Jack Robbins – Honorary Master of Arts
Awarded in absentia in recognition of his contributions to research and scholarship in the fields of Ecclesiastical History and Church Music.
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Noreen M Carrocci, PhD – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education
Awarded for her outstanding contribution as an academic leader, her engagement with many charitable works, and to celebrate, in our Golden Jubilee year, the connection between Birmingham Newman University and Newman University, Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Rachel Joy Shenton – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters
Awarded for her outstanding contribution as an actress and screenwriter and for her dedicated charity work.
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Sian Massey-Ellis MBE – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science
Awarded for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of women’s sport and for her continuing involvement as a Physical Education teacher.
Marcia Shakespeare MBE – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws
Awarded for her tireless campaign working with young people against gangs, gun and knife crimes.
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Alison Nicholas MBE – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science
Awarded for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of women’s sport and for her continuing involvement with coaching and teaching golf to those aspiring to the profession
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Professor Eamon Duffy – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters
Awarded for his distinguished academic work on the history of Christianity and for the scholarly and public impact of his research, writing and teaching.
Mark Williams – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters
Awarded for his outstanding contribution as a film and television actor.
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Professor Annette Cashmore (Deceased) – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education
Awarded for her distinguished contributions to learning and teaching in higher education and for her invaluable support and service to Newman University.
Trevor Eve – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters
Awarded for his outstanding contribution as a film and television actor.
Verna Wilkins – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters
Awarded for her work as a champion for children’s literature and for her involvement with the education sector.
David Wilby – Honorary Degree of Master of Arts
Awarded for his significant contribution to Newman University over many years.
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Edward Bond – Doctor of Letters
Awarded to recognise his renowned work as a dramatist and his engagement with schools and higher education.
The Right Reverend David Charlesworth O.S.B – Doctor of Education
Awarded to recognise his commitment to providing educational opportunities for school children, exemplified by the work of the Education Department at Buckfast Abbey.
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Sister Bernadette Mary Porter CBE – The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters
Awarded for her lifelong engagement with education in schools, colleges and universities.
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Dr John Cornwell – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
Awarded for his distinguished work as an author and his interest in the relationship between science, philosophy and theology.
Dr Dion Dublin – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL)
Awarded for his distinguished contribution to sport and for his work with young people.
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Dr Tony Benn (Deceased) – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL)
Awarded for his distinguished contribution to politics and public life.
Prof Michael Fullan – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
Awarded for his distinguished contribution to educational change.
Dr Oona Stannard – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL)
Awarded for her distinguished contribution to Catholic Education.
Dr Pamela Taylor – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL)
Awarded for her distinguished contribution to higher education.
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Prof Mona Siddiqui – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
Awarded for her distinguished contribution to religious studies and the Islam-West dialogue.
Ms Jane Slowey (Deceased) – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL)
Awarded for her distinguished contribution to the third sector and charitable works.
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Dr Harry Christophers – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music (UoL)
Awarded for his distinguished contribution to the world of music.
Dr Gulzar Kanji – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL)
Awarded for her outstanding and sustained contribution to early childhood and primary education.
Prof Alexander McCall Smith – Hon Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
Awarded for his distinguished contribution to literature.
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Dr Desmond Kelly – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
Awarded for his acclaimed work with the Royal Ballet Companies and his success working with disadvantaged young people.
Dr Brian Wicker – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
Awarded for his inspirational teaching and lifelong commitment to widening access to education, one of the ideals that Newman proclaims in its mission.
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Dr James MacMillan – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music (UoL)
Dame Janet Trotter – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
Dr Vanley Burke – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
Dr Shirley Court – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music (UoL)
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Dr David Almond – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
The Most Reverend Dr John Sentamu – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL)
The Rev Dr Ian Ker – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
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Dr Margaret Robinson – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
The Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal,QC – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoL)
Professor Bart McGettrick – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (UoL)
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Dr Clare Short, MP – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (CU)
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Dr Indarjit Singh – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (CU)
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Dr Joyce Sugg (Deceased) – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (CU)
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Bishop Philip Pargeter – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (CU)
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Prof Tim Brighouse – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoB)
Canon Gerard Hanlon (Deceased) – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration (CU)
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Dr Margaret Smart – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoB)
Canon Patrick McKinney – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (CU)
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Don Maclean – Honorary Master of Arts (UoB)
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Archbishop Maurice Couve de Murville (Deceased) – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity (UoB)
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Dr Gerard Coghlan (Deceased) – Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (UoB)
Accrediting body:
UoB – University of Birmingham
CU – Coventry University
UoL – University of Leicester
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