UWE Bristol Honorary Graduates announced – week 1

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is delighted to announce the recipients of Honorary Degrees for the summer graduation ceremonies week commencing 15 July at Bristol Cathedral.

Spanning areas of expertise and leadership across law, healthcare, equality, activism and science, all the recipients are being recognised for outstanding achievements in their chosen fields.

The list of Honorary Graduates for week beginning 15 July:

• Aimeé Skinner, Honorary Degree of Masters of Science – in recognition of Aimeé's ongoing contributions to the University and commitment to the environmental sciences
• Alex Raikes, Honorary Degree of Masters of Law – in recognition of Alex's leadership and commitment to addressing racism and inequality on a local, regional and international level and to working with the University on this agenda
• David Pester, Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration – in recognition of David's services to leadership in business and the future of the legal profession
• Derek Sprague, Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University – in recognition of Derek's outstanding contribution to healthcare education and partnership work with the University
• Joanna Abeyie, Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration – in recognition of Joanna's contribution to the advancement of equality and diversity in human resource management and talent acquisition and for services to the educationally disadvantaged
• Khaled Hamid Chowdhury, Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws – in recognition of Khaled's contribution to Bangladesh legal education and UWE international development
• Somina Fombo, Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration – in recognition of Somina's ongoing commitment to support the political, social and economic equality of the BAME community and women in particular.

Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, Professor Steve West said: “We are extremely proud to be conferring Honorary Degrees on all of these exceptional individuals in our summer graduation ceremonies this year. Every single one of them has demonstrated true leadership, skill and visionary thinking to make an incredible and lasting impact in their areas of work, and I know that they will inspire and encourage our graduates as they take their first steps into their chosen careers.

“I'd like to send my warmest congratulations to all of our students graduating over the next two weeks, and I hope they and their families have a fantastic graduation day.”

For full biographies and images of any of the UWE Bristol Honorary Graduates, please contact pressoffice@uwe.ac.uk.