How we recognise outstanding achievement
2025 Honorary Graduates
Sandra A Agard

Sandra A Agard is a celebrated British storyteller, author, literary consultant, and cultural historian whose work spans more than five decades. A lifelong champion of Black British literature, African-Caribbean oral traditions, African and African- American literature and inclusive education. She is a leading authority in the field of cultural heritage. Sandra’s own heritage background is African and Guyanese/Caribbean which plays a vital role in her work.
Sandra began her career as a library assistant and a library development officer working with Black communities and has long used literature, history and storytelling to empower others.
Sandra has served as Reader-in-Residence in prisons and communities, and Writer-in-Residence in schools and libraries and is currently a Learning Facilitator for Schools at the British Library. In this role, she utilises the British Library’s exhibitions and vast catalogue of resources to deliver programmes like the Black British Literature Timeline, Windrush Voices and Creative Writing – Write Here. Through these programmes, she encourages children, young people, and trainee teachers to explore and embrace topics such as oral and written histories, heritage, culture, and identity.
Sandra’s creative practice is rooted in justice, education, and transformation. Her approach is imaginative and inclusive, using storytelling as a tool to teach, empower, and connect. She has been a project partner with Middlesex University on initiatives such as ‘Poetry versus Colonialism’ and ‘Minibeasts of Barnet’, both of which use the arts to examine decolonisation, sustainability, and community engagement. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a winner of the RSL’s Benson Medal for services to literature.
Sandra’s work stands as a testament to the power of culture in building stronger, more inclusive societies. An advocate for the arts as a driver of change and an ambassador for our University, Sandra exemplifies our mission to collaborate creatively to build a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world, all the while inspiring future educators, artists, and activists.
Tim Boughton

Tim Boughton is a visionary mental health and cognitive performance advocate, trusted global advisor, and changemaker whose work bridges countries, government, business, and humanitarian sectors.
As a leader of one of the world’s most respected global family networks, Tim has devoted his career to using influence and collaboration to create lasting impact across the world.
With a background in the Army as an Officer, a Commando Helicopter Pilot with the Royal Navy and banking, Tim has gone on to become a sought-after strategist and advisor for high-profile families and corporations. His work with veterans and emergency services personnel, especially those living with PTSD, has been internationally recognised. A passionate advocate for mental health reform, Tim pioneered the use of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in treating trauma-related disorders in elite personnel in the military and sport.
Tim’s personal journey – overcoming critical mental health issues, including PTSD – has fuelled his mission to empower others. His ground-breaking study of over 280 mental health apps led to the creation of an award-winning programme that has saved lives and transformed approaches in trauma care. His impact has reached corporate boardrooms, veterans' organisations, and mental health services worldwide.
Tim recently completed a master’s degree at Oxford University at the age of 52, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and growth. Known for his humility, resilience, and powerful storytelling, Tim’s work has reshaped policies, inspired individuals, and disrupted conventional thinking. He is a compelling speaker whose lived experience and strategic insight make him an influential figure in global conversations on wellbeing and inclusion. In addition, he still flies as the pilot to Pink Floyd.
Tim’s story exemplifies the University’s values of collaboration and purpose-driven action. He embodies leadership with empathy. His ability to connect across sectors and support others to realise their potential makes him a powerful role model for students and alumni alike.
Sue Cunningham

Sue Cunningham is a globally respected leader in educational advancement and the current President and CEO of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). She oversees an international membership of over 3,000 schools, colleges, and universities across more than 80 countries. Under her leadership, CASE supports institutions in developing robust alumni relations, strategic communications, fundraising, and marketing operations with a vision of advancing education to transform lives and society. Appointed to CASE in 2015, Sue brought a wealth of experience from senior advancement positions in higher education across three continents.
Originally trained in the performing arts, Sue holds a bachelor’s Degree in Performance Arts from Middlesex University and was awarded a master’s Degree by the University of Oxford. Her early career in the arts and theatre has contributed to her dynamic approach to leadership and communication.
Prior to joining CASE, she served as Vice-Principal for Advancement at the University of Melbourne, where she collaborated closely with their Vice-Chancellor to launch an AUS$500 million fundraising campaign and build a comprehensive advancement team.
Before moving to Australia, Sue was Director of Development at the University of Oxford. There, she led the advancement team responsible for the Oxford Thinking Campaign – at the time, the largest fundraising initiative ever undertaken outside the United States, with a goal of £1.25 billion. She also played a pivotal role in expanding Oxford’s global presence, including establishing the university’s first China office in Hong Kong. Sue started her career in university advancement, after working in theatre and the museum and galleries sector, at the University of St Andrews where she was Director of External Relations.
Sue continues to be a transformational figure in global education, embodying our University’s values of creative collaboration and placing students at the heart of education. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Montell Douglas

Montell Douglas is a record-breaking athlete and advocate for inclusion in sport, whose multifaceted career has spanned elite athletics, public service, coaching, and motivational speaking. Outside of competing, she has appeared as ‘Fire’ in the 2024 BBC One reboot of Gladiators, and was subsequently a contestant on the twenty-second series of Strictly Come Dancing.
A Middlesex University alumna, she fondly describes her time at the University as a “combination of distance learning with a community,” highlighting the strength of the support network that shaped her academic journey.
A late starter in her cohort, Montell’s maturity and drive quickly set her apart. She built strong bonds with peers and staff alike, forming friendships that have endured for over a decade and forging lasting relationships with the University’s sports department. This supportive environment provided a foundation for her ambitious athletic and professional career.
Montell’s sporting accomplishments are historic. She became the first British woman to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games – first as a sprinter in Beijing 2008, and then as a bobsledder in Beijing 2022. Her transition between sports was unprecedented and marked by her signature work ethic and resilience. She was also part of the British 4x100m relay team that won a Commonwealth Gold medal and she held the British 100m record.
Off the track, Montell has continually worked to uplift others. She has served as a physical wellbeing coordinator for children and young people, a mentor and coach, and a powerful public speaker. Her advocacy for women in sport, disability sport, and the importance of mental health has made her a role model far beyond athletics.
Montell uses her platform to champion diversity, representation, and resilience. Her deep understanding of what it means to overcome barriers – both societal and personal – makes her an inspiration to the next generation of students and athletes. Through all her achievements, she remains committed to helping others reach their full potential.
Sindi Mabaso-Koyana

Sindi Mabaso-Koyana is an esteemed South African business leader, chartered accountant, and advocate for women's leadership in finance and governance.
She is the founder of the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) organisation, a groundbreaking initiative that has transformed the landscape of accounting in South Africa and opened doors for generations of Black women professionals.
A respected figure in global finance, Sindi has held numerous leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, across auditing, financial management, and corporate governance. She has served on the boards of some of South Africa’s most influential institutions, including the South African Reserve Bank, Toyota South Africa, The Public Investment Corporation, among others. Her leadership has consistently championed ethical governance, social equity, and the empowerment of women in business.
Through AWCA, Sindi has mentored many young professionals and created a network that not only supports aspiring accountants but also nurtures future CEOs and business leaders. Her work exemplifies the spirit of ‘local is global’, demonstrating how South African excellence and innovation can inspire and influence global best practices. To ensure the lasting legacy and sustainability of AWCA, Sindi has led the formation of the AWCA investment arm and recently a private equity firm which contributes its returns to AWCA.
Sindi’s association with Middlesex University speaks to the institution’s values of inclusivity, internationalism, and social transformation. With a large and diverse cohort of accounting students, many of whom will enter a globalised profession, Sindi's story provides a powerful example of how ambition, mentorship, and representation can redefine the boundaries of what is possible.
Her work has not only elevated the status of women in finance but also fostered cross-continental collaboration, mentorship, and investment in young talent.
Roxy Murray

Roxy Murray is a tireless advocate for disability rights and chronic illness awareness. Widely known as the ‘Multiple Sclerosis Fashionista’, Roxy has used her platform and personal experiences to campaign for greater inclusion in the fashion industry and beyond.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Roxy has transformed her challenges into powerful activism, advocating for greater visibility and representation for the Black, Ethnically Diverse, LGBTQ+ communities, as well as for disabled people and those living with chronic illnesses.
Her work spans multiple platforms, from fashion styling and podcasting to keynote speeches and social media, all of which she uses to challenge stereotypes and champion accessibility.
Through her podcast and public appearances, Roxy tackles important topics such as body positivity, disability representation, and health equity. She has become a well-recognised voice for inclusive fashion, advocating for clothing that celebrates all bodies regardless of size, mobility, or medical conditions. Her efforts have earned her recognition from organisations such as The Shaw Trust and, most recently, she was included in the BBC’s 100 Women for 2024, a celebration of inspiring and influential women globally.
Roxy’s work is deeply aligned with the University’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her advocacy for the Black and LGBTQ+ communities living with MS and chronic illness is not only deeply personal but also intersectional and forward-thinking. Through her work, she encourages others to speak up, be seen, and challenge the limitations placed on them by society. Roxy offers a strong example to our community of how personal passion and adversity can become powerful tools for change.
Stella O'Brien

Stella O’Brien is a pioneering researcher in digital technology and knowledge-based systems with a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity for the Deaf community.
Stella has spent her career and voluntary activities not only advancing research but also challenging societal norms around disability, inclusion, and public engagement. Stella’s work explores the implementation and management of knowledge-based systems, and she is a respected contributor to health and social care research. Stella believes that patients and the public play a vital role in shaping national research priorities. She’s been able to achieve this through her involvement with major funders and research organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Cancer Research UK. Stella brings a critical patient and public voice to research evaluation and guideline development, working on projects for NHS programmes and NICE. She was also a 2022 Patient Reviewer of the Year for the British Medical Journal, a testament to her rigorous and insightful contributions.
In addition to her academic and policy work, Stella is active in numerous voluntary organisations focused on health, social justice, and patient advocacy. She brings a deep understanding of the lived experience of disability and is a powerful voice for inclusive research design, equity, and patient empowerment.
Her tireless work promotes a world where research and services are co-designed with and for the people they aim to serve. Stella's commitment to inclusion and excellence in both science and society makes her a transformative figure in the landscape of digital health and patient advocacy.
Martine Rose

Martine Rose is a pioneering menswear designer whose innovative approach to fashion has earned her international acclaim.
A Middlesex University alumna, she studied BA Fashion at the School of Art and Design between 1999 and 2002. Her love for fashion was sparked by the energy and style of south London’s rave and reggae scenes during the 1990s, whose rich cultural tapestry continues to inspire her design ethos.
After graduating, Martine co-founded the label LMNOP with Tamara Rothstein, shortly afterwards launching her own label with a modest £1,500 loan from The Prince's Trust. Initially focusing on menswear shirting, her brand evolved into one of the most respected names in contemporary menswear. She gained support from Fashion East and later from the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN MEN awards. Her collections are characterised by an offbeat, thoughtful reinterpretation of subcultural style, and she is known for presenting her work in unconventional venues such as community markets and rock-climbing centres around north London.
Through her work, Martine not only redefines the boundaries of fashion but also raises awareness of the urban spaces and communities that influence her. One of her standout shows was held at the Seven Sisters Indoor Market, a vibrant cultural hub, as a tribute to the community spirit that shaped her. Today, Martine’s work is celebrated for its authenticity and relatability, with fans including global icons like Drake, Rihanna, and A$AP Rocky. Her collaboration with Nike further cemented her reputation, making her pieces coveted by collectors. Martine’s contributions to the industry were recently recognised in the Vogue Runway exhibition at London’s Lightroom gallery in King’s Cross, further cementing her place as a vital voice in fashion.
Her bold creativity, community focus, and commitment to inclusive narratives make her an inspirational figure in contemporary design.
Professor David Sugarman

Professor David Sugarman is a distinguished legal scholar and educator who has played a significant role in the development of legal education and was centrally involved in establishing Middlesex University’s School of Law, helping to shape its identity and academic vision.
His wide-ranging expertise includes legal history, corporate law, anti-discrimination law and international human rights. David has taught and researched at leading universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Princeton and Lancaster, and at Harvard Law School. He holds a LLB from the University of Hull, a LLM and Diploma in Comparative Legal Studies from Cambridge, and a LLM and SJD from Harvard.
Throughout his career, David has authored and edited numerous publications, including 24 books and over 100 articles and book chapters. His work has received widespread recognition and funding from governments, NGOs and intergovernmental organisations. He has also advised on policy reform and legal development across the UK and internationally. As Founding Director, David established at Lancaster University the first Centre for Law and Society in England and Wales. His mentoring and assistance has been acknowledged by more than 100 authors in over 150 publications.
More of David’s professional accolades include election as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Academy of Social Sciences, an Honorary Fellow of the American Society for Legal History, and Trustee of both the American Society for Legal History and the Law and Society Association. These honours reflect his significant contribution to both the academic study of law in society and the broader legal profession.
David’s research and achievements are deeply interwoven with Middlesex’s evolution and its commitment to interdisciplinary, socially relevant scholarship. He continues to inspire students and legal scholars to engage with law, history, politics and society, and to pursue rigorous, justice-oriented research.