Honorary graduates
Meet our honorary graduates
A particular highlight of the year which brings great pride to the university is the awarding of honorary degrees to persons of distinction during the July and October ceremonies.
Our honorary graduates are an important part of the Greenwich alumni community.
Honorary graduates are not only recognised for their shared commitments to education and for championing our university values but also for being active members of the public, who give back through significant contributions to society and their local communities.
We are especially proud to award honorary doctorates to our alumni, who have taken lifelong learnings from their time at Greenwich and have gone on to achieve incredible things.
We thank all our honorary graduates, old and new, and are delighted to present and welcome our newest cohort to the University of Greenwich community.
July ceremonies
Professor Kelvin Chan
Honorary Doctor of Business Administration
Professor Kelvin Chan is an entrepreneur and academic with expertise in sustainability, business, and psychology.
After graduating from the University of Greenwich, he founded Korean Corner, a global distributor of Korean goods. In 2015 his innovative GREEN project was developed to promote sustainable practices, earning international acclaim and a Guinness World Record.
Among his many accolades, Kelvin was recognised by the British Council's UK Alumni Award, becoming the first person from Hong Kong to win.
Professor Chan completed his undergraduate degree in Business Administration at University of Greenwich.
Dr Eugenia Cheng
Honorary Doctor of Mathematics
Dr Eugenia Cheng’s aim is to rid the world of ‘maths phobia’. A Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, alongside research and teaching she has written several books, one being shortlisted for the Insight Investment Science Book Prize.
Dr Cheng’s educational services extend to maths on YouTube, garnering millions of views. Her work has inspired countless mathematic students, including those at the University of Greenwich, where she has delivered keynote lectures and workshops.
River Medway (Dexter Clift)
Honorary Doctor of Arts
River Medway is a beloved English drag queen who rose to fame in 2021 appearing on RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
Her captivating performances and magnetic personality quickly made her a fan favorite. Since the show, she has toured the UK and starred in many theater productions.
A dedicated advocate for the Medway area and the LGBTQ+ community, River supports Pride events in Kent, is an advocate for mental health and collaborates with the charity ‘Mermaids’ to speak out against conversion practices.
Simon Cook
Honorary Doctor of the University
As Principal and CEO since 2016, Simon has been a catalyst for change for the education sector in Medway as well as fostering collaborations between institutions including the University of Greenwich.
After a prestigious career in hospitality, Simon turned to teaching, recognising the transformative power of education. He actively contributes to the growth of Kent and Medway, chairing We Are Medway CIC and serving as a Kent Ambassador.
Bill Ferris CBE
Honorary Doctor of the University
Under his visionary leadership over 20 years, Bill Ferris CBE transformed Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust by a pioneering strategy of preservation through reuse.
Bill began his career as a management accountant, before taking over the family bakery in Devon, transforming its fortunes, then selling it.
Since retiring in 2020, Bill continues to contribute to the worlds of culture and economic development holding multiple roles of significance including Chairman of Go To Places and Visit Kent, is a Trustee of the London Transport Museum and a Board member for Medway City of Culture 2025.
Michelle Gayle
Honorary Doctor of Arts
Drawing inspiration from her activist mother, Michelle co-founded The World Reimagined in 2019, a ground breaking initiative which engages people in discussions around African Caribbean history and promotes racial justice.
Engaging 3.7 million people, Public art trails became the UK’s biggest ever art-education project. A multifaceted talent, Michelle is an actress, recording artist and has published three novels.
Kenny Imafidon MBE
Honorary Doctor of Business Administration
Kenny Imafidon, wrongfully convicted as a teenager, is now a leading social entrepreneur and advocate for young people. His memoir, "That Peckham Boy," chronicles his journey from adversity to success.
He co-founded ClearView Research, OnBoard and My Brother’s Keeper, all organisations who focus on supporting diverse communities.
Kenny also holds roles with charities including BBC Children in Need, Strength with In Me foundation.
Kofi Kusitor MBE
Honorary Doctor of Arts
Kofi Kusitor is a pioneering digital entrepreneur and media executive. He created Black Britain Online, the UK’s first African-Caribbean web portal, and founded Colourful Radio, one of Britain’s most successful online radio stations.
His work has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the media and business sectors.
Kofi has served on various advisory boards and committees, including the Africa in London Committee and the UK Black Business Show.
Kofi gained his LLB in law at the University of Greenwich in 1993.
Laura Marziale
Honorary Doctor of Arts
Laura is a community activist and campaigner for equality, immigration reform and human rights.
Before founding Creating Ground CIC, which promotes cross-cultural awareness, learning and sharing in South East London she worked with organizations like the Migrants Resource Centre and Action for Refugees.
Collaborating with the University of Greenwich, she has contributed to impactful projects such as the Greenwich Council housing survey for residents in temporary accommodation as well as facilitating workshops on healthcare access.
Thuy Diem Pham
Honorary Doctor of Business Administration
Thuy Diem Pham is a Vietnamese-British restaurateur and author. She owns the award-winning London restaurant, The Little Viet Kitchen.
After graduating, Thuy transitioned from a successful advertising career to opening her restaurant. Thuy is a prominent voice in the UK’s Vietnamese food scene, having appeared on TV and cooked at prestigious events.
Her restaurant has won numerous awards, including "Best Restaurant in England" and "Best Street Food in the UK.”
Thuy graduated from the University of Greenwich with a degree in marketing communications in 2005.
Dr Le Troung Tung
Honorary Doctor of Business
Dr Le Truong Tung is a leading figure in Vietnamese higher education. He co-founded FPT University, expanding it into a leading private university with international partnerships, including the University of Greenwich.
As an advocate for educational reform, Dr. Tung is an active contributor to Vietnam’s higher education policies and holds positions in key educational organizations and has served in government roles.
October ceremonies
Luis De Abreu
Honorary Doctor of Arts
Luis De Abreu, a former student of Doreen Bird, joined Bird Theatre in 1996 and rose to Joint Principal and Artistic Director in 2019.
A protégé of the institution's founder, he has been instrumental in the college's success for over two decades. Luis has inspired student excellence and versatility, co-leading with Shirley Coen (Principal and CEO) to champion diversity and student opportunity.
He designed the University of Greenwich-validated foundation degree in acting, embodying the institution's commitment to performing arts education.
Shirley Coen
Honorary Doctor of Arts
Shirley Coen, an accountant turned educator, has served as Bird College's Principal and CEO since 2005, transforming it from a small dance college to a prestigious 600-student conservatoire.
Under her leadership, the college expanded to a new campus, increased turnover six-fold, and grew performing arts course enrolments from 30 to 126 students.
Shirley specialises in educational change management and has developed high-quality BA (Hons) programs in dance and musical theatre validated by the University of Greenwich.
Paula Holt MBE
Honorary Doctor of Science
Professor Paula Holt MBE, a distinguished mental health nurse, served eight years in the army leading mental health services in Bosnia.
After NHS roles developing innovative offender treatment programs, she became Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby.
As a senior Nursing and Midwifery Council adviser, she champions social mobility. Holt is director of the Soldiers Arts Academy and patron of a veteran's charity.
Dame Alison Peacock
Honorary Doctor of Education
Dame Alison, driven by 'learning without limits', has transformed education as a headteacher and leader of the Chartered College of Teaching. She was renowned for turning The Wroxham School into an outstanding global model and played a pivotal role in the landmark Cambridge Primary Review.
As Chief Executive, she passionately advocates for teachers and champions academic rigour in teacher training. Her inclusive approach to education has inspired institutions worldwide, including guest lectures at the University of Greenwich.
Suzanne Sweeney OBE
Honorary Doctor of Science
Suzanne’s interest in child health has led her to working as Network Director for the London Neonatal Operational Delivery Network, focusing on transforming neonatal services.
Suzanne has worked for the NHS for nearly 20 years, beginning her career in screening services before moving to major trauma, then finding her passion for neonatal care. Suzanne volunteers for the Sea Cadet Corps and acts as Trustee for the Bexley and Lewisham Sea Cadets.
Suzanne Sweeney graduated from the University of Greenwich with a degree in health and social care.
Troy Townsend MBE
Honorary Doctor of Science
Troy is an anti-racism worker, broadcaster, former footballer and coach with a dedication to challenging racism and injustice.
Working for Kick It Out for over a decade – the organisation fighting discrimination in football – he began as a volunteer and left as Head of Player Engagement. With a passion for nurturing talent, Troy has helped thousands of young people to learn and develop through education programmes brought to Premier League and Football League clubs across the country.
Troy also shares his warmth and expertise on podcasts including The Guardian Football Weekly and Whisper it Loudly.
Honorary graduate nominations
The university has a long history of conferring honorary awards on outstanding individuals who have contributed to the work of the university or have earned distinction in some other field. Our honorary graduates come from all backgrounds and walks of life and our awards to them reflect the esteem in which they are held.
We confer honorary doctorates on distinguished individuals who merit special recognition for their outstanding achievement, distinction and contribution which is consonant with the vision, mission, principles and values of the university. Nominees should have the potential to develop an ongoing relationship with the university, e.g. by acting as an ambassador and supporter of the institution.
Current students, staff, alumni and governors of the university are invited to submit nominations for consideration in the 2024/2025 round. Unfortunately, we cannot consider a nomination from you if you are not in one of these groups.
Nominations should be submitted by completing the university's nomination form and returned to the university secretary by post or email to the address indicated on the form by Thursday 9 January 2025.
Self-nominations, late nominations and nominations not submitted using the form will not be accepted. Please don't discuss your nomination with the person who you wish to nominate until the award has been approved, to avoid disappointment.
Before completing the nomination form, please read the university's guidance which provides further information about the process and the criteria for awards.
News from the honorary graduate community
Tim Barnes KC offers a helping hand to lend students victory
Tim Barnes, who is a leading King's Counsel, has contributed his time and expertise to assist the teaching of Law at Greenwich and to improve the employability of the university's Law graduates.
A recent accolade, as a result of Tim’s valuable contributions in coaching, saw two second year law students, Harry Pell and Natasha Wilmans, win the final of the English Speaking Union Moot in the Royal Courts of Justice. The team beat Oxford Brooks in the semi-final and the University of Leicester in the final.
The panel consisted of two High Court Judges and a senior KC who remarked that the final was one of the best in the competition’s history.
Natasha was complimented for her outstanding engagement with the Court and Harry for his handling of legal authority. Along with the mini-pupillage and the award of the John Smith Memorial Mace (Observer Mace), they each received £1,000.
Outside of Law, Tim was responsible for and is a trustee for setting up the Friends of the Woodlands.
Tim Barnes KC, was awarded an HonLLD on 18 October 2010, Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich.
Awards Season for Dr Joyce Fraser OBE
We were delighted to hear the news that Dr Joyce Fraser OBE has recently been awarded two awards:
- Extraordinary Achievers Charity Awards, Inspirational Individual of Excellence
- S.T.O.R.M Family Centre, Woman of Power
Fraser’s work celebrating her late husband’s life and legacy using the arts is demonstrable charitable excellence. Most recently the Black Heroes Foundation proudly produced a play titled ‘The Story of Flip Fraser’ honouring the life and legacy of Flip through one night of education and entertainment and celebrating Black heritage.
Dr Joyce Fraser OBE, was awarded an HonDEd in 2023, Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich.
Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, receives inaugural Heartfulness Changemaker Award
Baroness Scotland is the first woman and second Caribbean national to hold the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General. We were thrilled to hear that Patricia received the Heartfulness Changemaker Award in January for her dedication to youth empowerment across 56 Commonwealth nations. Presented at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the Heartfulness Institute's global headquarters in India, the award recognises individuals committed to compassionate service. Baroness Scotland emphasised the importance of youth participation in global development. She highlighted the Commonwealth's unity and the vital role of young people as active agents of change, expressing gratitude for Heartfulness' contribution to fostering this mindset shift.
The Rt Hon. the Baroness Scotland, was awarded an HonDUniv on 19 July 2019, Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich.
