Graduation 2026: Middlesex recognises outstanding achievements across professions

Middlesex University is celebrating exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impact to their profession and wider society during this week’s Graduation

Middlesex University is celebrating exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impact to their profession and wider society during this week’s Graduation ceremonies.

Honorary degrees are being awarded to ten people for achievements in a wide range of areas and disciplines, including sporting success, music and the arts, patient and youth advocacy, diversity and inclusion in public health, engineering, education, creative media and mental health.

Graduation is an opportunity for the University to recognise and say thank you to former students, staff, community workers, and leaders in their profession who have made a difference to their field and to society in a way that aligns with the University’s commitment to educational opportunity, inclusivity, social impact, and innovation.

“We’re delighted that these distinguished individuals have accepted honorary degrees from Middlesex University. Their achievements in their respective professions, and their contributions to their communities and wider society, are truly inspirational.

We celebrate their success and impact across the creative arts, law and business, disability awareness, diversity and inclusion, patient advocacy, mental health, education, charitable work, and more.”

Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University

From the world of sport, elite international rugby union player and Middlesex University alumna, Zoe Harrison, has been awarded an honorary degree recognising her achievements at the highest level of sport which have established her as one of the leading figures in women’s rugby. She played a key role as England won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.

In the arts, Ingrid Pears MBE, the internationally renowned glass artist and designer, has made a significant contribution to British craftsmanship and global creative industries whilst providing training and mentoring opportunities for emerging artists. While internationally acclaimed musician, composer and Grammy nominee, Jahnavi Harrison, is recognised for achievements in music. The Middlesex alumna is credited for her role in expanding access to mantra music in the UK and beyond and is an influential advocate for inclusivity, compassion, and cross-cultural understanding.

Also being honoured for their exceptional contribution to music, is the eminent cultural commentator and musician, Richard Duncan Morrison. Over five decades he has nurtured generations of musicians and delivered major performances of significant choral works, he is credited with transforming local engagement in the local Hendon community.

From the UK film and television industry, Rebecca Hawkes, has worked across a range of internationally acclaimed projects and award-winning series. She is recognised for her leadership, industry innovation and as an advocate for education and skills development and creating pathways into the creative industries.

Leading public health strategist, community advocate and Middlesex alumnus, Marc Thompson, has transformed HIV prevention and support services in London directing resources to communities most affected by HIV, particularly Black Londoners and other underserved groups. He is being honoured for his significant contribution to public health and community led initiatives.

Fellow Middlesex alumnus, social worker, mentor and advocate for children’s rights, Brendan Finegan, is being honoured for his longstanding commitment to protecting children and young people in a career spanning over 40 years in criminal and youth justice. Brendan has influenced policy and practice at a national level, while inspiring future generations through ongoing teaching and professional leadership.

In science, distinguished engineering leader, Dame Dawn Childs DBE is recognised for her exceptional contributions to infrastructure, and skills development across the UK and internationally. She has maintained a long-standing and meaningful relationship with Middlesex University, within the Faculty of Science and Technology, supporting a wide range of initiatives over more than a decade.

Ben Ingber, a notable Middlesex University alumnus in psychology has made a significant contribution to mental health support and suicide prevention through his leadership of The Listening Place. He is honoured for his work across a wide range of organisations helping strengthen communities and improve access to support for those in crisis.

While pioneering educator, Shahla Taheri-White, whose work has had a profound impact on multilingual education in the UK and internationally, is recognised for her work over five decades championing inclusive approaches to language learning. Shahla has helped to reshape understanding of language education emphasising the importance of heritage languages in shaping identity, belonging, and educational success.

Medallists

As well as awarding honorary degrees, every year, the University awards Middlesex Medals to individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community and the University’s values. This year the recipients are:

• Tracey Parrott worked for Barnet Education and Learning Service (BELS) partnering with Middlesex across small and significant projects where she excelled in bringing people and organisations together to support students in Barnet.
• Dalia Dasgupta worked at Middlesex University as interim Director of HR between August 2024 and December 2025. Her leadership of the HR team through a very challenging period ensured changes at the university progressed, and she was consistently professional and supportive of others
• Dr Tim Westlake joined Middlesex University in July 2024 to support the new Vice Chancellor. During this time, he drove and supported transformational work across the University
• Seher Kayikci is a Senior Public Health Strategist for the London Borough of Barnet who has made a profound impact on local health outcomes through her strategic leadership and expertise in community outreach and policy development which include award-winning initiatives to reduce suicide and self-harm
• Jade Lawless is Academic Director of PCI College, Dublin, a provider of counselling and psychotherapy courses and long-standing and strategically important partner of Middlesex. Under Jade’s direction, leadership she has made a profound contribution to expanding and strengthening counselling and psychotherapy education
• Carol Jane Jackson is one of the UK’s leading seafood experts, an accomplished educator, and a passionate advocate for sustainable food practices. She collaborates with Middlesex University to deliver specialist sessions on fish and shellfish for environmental health programmes.