Warwick Celebrates 60 Years by Recognising Distinguished Figures with Honorary Degrees

Baroness Ashton Among Eight Honoured by University of Warwick for Inspirational Achievements

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the University of Warwick is awarding eight honorary degrees to individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions and inspirational achievements. These honours have been conferred upon recipients whose personal and professional journeys are intended to motivate the next generation of graduates. Among those being recognised is Baroness Catherine Ashton, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt). She previously served as a UK Minister and was the European Union’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Notably, she also served as Warwick’s first female Chancellor from 2017 to 2024.

Author Tracy Chevalier, known for her acclaimed novels including Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Last Runaway, will also receive an Hon DLitt. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, she has held leadership roles in several literary organisations and continues to champion creative writing and cultural engagement. BBC journalist Clive Myrie is set to be honoured with an Hon DLitt for his distinguished career in journalism, having reported from over 80 countries and currently serving as a presenter for BBC News and host of Mastermind. His work has shaped public understanding of global affairs and identity.

Inventor and YouTuber Colin Furze will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science (Hon DSc) for his innovative engineering projects, which include world-record-breaking creations and a widely followed online channel that makes STEM engaging for younger audiences. Talan Skeels-Piggins, a former Royal Navy officer and Paralympian, will be awarded an Hon DLitt in recognition of his remarkable achievements following a spinal injury. He represented Great Britain in alpine skiing and became the first paraplegic to compete in an able-bodied motorcycle race.

Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government and Warwick alumna, will receive an Hon DSc for her contributions to economic policy and journalism. Her work has helped shape public understanding of UK finances and policy-making. Mark Urban, journalist and military historian, is being recognised with an Hon DLitt for his extensive reporting on international conflict and diplomacy, as well as his acclaimed publications that blend rigorous research with compelling narrative.

Finally, Professor Ekaterina Zhuravskaya, an economist at the Paris School of Economics, will be awarded an Hon DSc for her academic contributions to political economy and development, including her editorial role at the American Economic Review. These honours reflect the University of Warwick’s enduring commitment to excellence, inclusion, and inspiration as it celebrates six decades of impact.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Warwick’s decision to mark its 60th anniversary by awarding honorary degrees to eight exceptional individuals is both symbolic and forward-looking. These honours not only celebrate personal excellence across diplomacy, literature, journalism, science, sport, and economics but also reflect the university’s broader commitment to impact, inclusion, and inspiration. By choosing recipients whose stories resonate with resilience, creativity, and public service, Warwick sends a powerful message to its graduates: success is not defined solely by titles, but by the courage to lead, innovate, and uplift others. This year’s honourees, ranging from Baroness Catherine Ashton’s diplomatic legacy to Colin Furze’s imaginative engineering, demonstrate the value of diverse pathways to influence. Their achievements remind us that higher education must continue to embrace not only academic rigour but also lived experience, unconventional thinking, and social responsibility.

According to Skoobuzz, Warwick University's evolving approach exemplifies how institutions can champion excellence and motivate future generations toward impactful change. By celebrating individuals, Warwick underscores its commitment to leadership, creativity, and the power of personal narratives.