Staffordshire University announces class of 2024 honorary graduates
Six honorary degrees will be awarded during the University’s graduation ceremonies, which take place at the Kings Hall in Stoke between Tuesday 16 and Monday 22 July.
Aida Cable is CEO of the children’s charity Thrive at Five, which has helped to transform the lives of babies and young children in some of the most deprived areas of Stoke-on-Trent, profoundly improving future outcomes through early childhood development.
Adia will become Honorary Doctor of the Letters in recognition of her devotion, drive and passion in developing Thrive at Five and her outstanding contributions to health and wellbeing.
Staffordshire University graduate Gary Mellor will become Honorary Doctor of Law. He is the Managing Partner at Beswicks Legal and the Founder of Beswicks Sports – two prominent Stoke-on-Trent businesses.
Gary has raised and donated tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes. He also gives back as an alumni – inspiring the next generation of students and ensuring law graduates receive work placements, jobs and training contracts at Beswicks Legal.
Tech company founder and philanthropist Matthew Bowcock CBE is another Law graduate who has maintained a strong connection with Stoke-on-Trent and helped to establish both the Made in Stoke initiative and the cultural compact Stoke Creates.
The award of Honorary Doctor of the Arts recognises Matthew’s status as an inspiring force for good who has committed his time and expertise to unlock the potential of philanthropy across England through his work with the Beacon Collaborative and the Hazelhurst Trust.
Colonel Tim Sandiford OBE will be honored as Doctor of the University for his distinguished 30 plus-year career in the military – including service in the Gulf War and leading the Staffordshire Regiment on an exceptionally challenging deployment to Iraq.
CEO of not-for-profit organisation Women in Games Marie-Claire Isaaman will be awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Technology. She became CEO of Women in Games back in 2016, transforming a tiny volunteer-run organisation into a global force for change. The award recognises Marie-Claire’s inspirational work in campaigning to make the games industry more inclusive and diverse.
Completing the line-up is Dr Najam Kidwai, founder and chairman of Crypto 1, the world’s first Crypto special purpose acquisition company which listed on the Nasdaq in December 2021 and raised $230million.
The self-made entrepreneur studied Technology Management at Staffordshire University’s Stafford campus, graduating in 1992. Najam will return to receive the award of Honorary Doctor of Technology acknowledging his significant business achievements.
Staffordshire University Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Jones said: “We very much look forward to welcoming this year’s honorary graduates who we believe will inspire our graduating Class of 2024.
“Each honorary graduate is carefully selected to reflect the values of our University. These awards celebrate the significant achievements in their careers and their dedication to supporting the next generation.
“They are all helping to transform society for the better by championing inclusivity and empowering others to succeed.”
Pictured: Actor and drama graduate Amit Shah was among last year's recipients of an honorary degree.
