University community recognised in New Year Honours

The impact of our graduates and our wider university community have received recognition through the New Year Honours list and recent political peerages.

Those awarded honours include through the New Years Honours include:

Dr Frances Morris (Honorary Graduate 2017) who is Director of the Tate Modern and received a CBE for services to the arts.

Former Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan, who received a honorary degree from Essex in 2014, received a CBE for services to higher education. He has served as President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University since 2012.

Joanna Todd (MA Sociology 1993), founder and chief executive officer at Respect received a CBE for services to victims of domestic abuse.

Joanna said: “I was rather amazed when I received the letter. I’m lucky enough to have been in the privileged position of helping Respect grow and flourish, but I couldn’t have done it without all the brilliant colleagues I’ve worked with over the years, who are the greatest bunch of people working tirelessly to make a difference, in an area where the work is challenging, and the cause unpopular. This award feels like a recognition of all of our work to ensure that perpetrators of domestic abuse are held to account and I’m proud to accept it.”

Andrew van Doorn (BA Government and Sociology 1994), Chief Executive of the Housing Associations Charitable Trust, received an OBE for services to housing.
Andrew said: ““During my time at HACT, I have been privileged to work with inspirational people from across and beyond the social housing sector, who have helped us to deliver on our charitable purpose to drive value for residents and communities.

“The critical role that housing associations play within communities is needed more than ever and we will continue to work with them so they can deliver on their core social purpose and provide good-quality, safe and secure homes for millions of people across the UK.”

Others receiving honours included Stuart Clarke (BA Government 1987), Festival Director of the Leeds Digital Festival, received an MBE for services to the technology sector.
Professor Maxine Molyneux (BA Sociology 1975, PhD Sociology 1983), Professor of Sociology at University College London’s Institute of the Americas, received a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG for services to International Development and UK and Latin America relations.

Peerage for Dr Tony Sewell

In December, Dr Tony Sewell CBE (BA English Literature 1981 and Honorary Graduate 2019) was created a life peer with the title of Baron Sewell of Sanderstead. Lord Sewell is an educational consultant and founder and chair of the educational charity Generating Genius and in July 2020 he was appointed chair of the Government’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities.