Essex awards honorary degrees to outstanding individuals at Summer Graduation 2024

The University of Essex will be presenting honorary degrees to inspirational figures from business, science, the arts, education and the charity sector at its Summer Graduation ceremonies from Tuesday 16 July to Friday 19 July.

The University is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024 and since 1967 it has honoured more than 300 people from many walks of life for their contributions to learning, creativity and knowledge, to human welfare and human rights, and to the building and maintaining of a fairer society.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year it is wonderful to have the opportunity to share our celebrations with inspirational honorary graduates who are committed to making change happen, displaying the Essex Spirit in their work and having a positive impact in their community.

“I am delighted that many of those receiving honorary degrees are Essex alumni who have gone on to have a significant impact across the fields of business, the environment, public service and social activisim.”

This year the University will honour:

William Adoasi - founder of luxury watch brand Vitae London. Committed to social impact, each watch sold by Vitae London supports a child’s life by providing key resources for education in South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria.

Dr Sima Sami Bahous – Essex graduate and Executive Director of UN-Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Dr Bahous is a champion for women and girls, gender equality and youth empowerment, as well as a keen advocate for quality education, poverty alleviation and inclusive governance.

Kess Eruteya – founding CEO of InclusionZ, the ed-tech platform that connects underrepresented young professionals with employment opportunities.

Elsa James – British African-Caribbean conceptual artist and activist, named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Essex.

Christopher Newenham – Essex graduate and joint managing director of iconic jam producer Wilkin & Son Ltd based in Tiptree.

Jo Todd – Essex graduate and founding CEO of Respect the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Houlin Zhao – Essex graduate and Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). ITU is a specialised agency of the United Nations from 2015 to 2022. He was made a Honorary Chairman of the China Institute of Communications in China in 2023.

Our outstanding honorary graduates

We've received wonderful feedback from our incredible honorary graduates.

Dr Bahous said: "The University of Essex was pivotal in shaping my academic foundation and instilling in me the values of resilience, leadership, inclusion and compassion. It is a great honour to receive this recognition. I do so with pride on behalf of all those I have the honour to lead and to stand alongside in the pursuit of a gender equal peaceful world."

Kess Eruteya said: “I am deeply honoured to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex, which is well-known for its emphasis on inclusivity. I am grateful for this recognition and consider it a chance to continue pushing for change within academia and other areas of influence.”

Elsa James said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award, which marks a significant milestone in my artistic journey. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because it also acknowledges my very first body of work as a practising visual artist.”

Christopher Newenham said: “I was simultaneously, stunned, delighted, humbled and hugely honoured to receive notice of my award from the University of Essex. “

Houlin Zhao said: “I joined the University in 1984 and have enjoyed my association with it over the last 40 years, I am proud to be an Essex alumni. I would like to express my deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the University of Essex for bestowing upon me this exceptional honour.”

Honorary graduate schedule

Dr Sima Sami Bahous – Tuesday 16 July, 1pm

William Adoasi – Wednesday 17 July, 1pm

Kess Eruteya – Wednesday 17 July, 4pm

Elsa James – Friday 19 July, 10am

Christopher Newenham - Thursday 18 July, 1pm

Jo Todd – Friday 19 July, 1pm

Houlin Zhao – Wednesday 17 July, 10am