Ade Adepitan sat in his wheelchair celebrating his honorary degree pitchside at Twickenham Stadium.
Ade Adepitan sat in his wheelchair celebrating his honorary degree pitchside at Twickenham Stadium.

Ade Adepitan heads list of honorary degrees at UWL graduation week

Renowned Paralympian and TV broadcaster Ade Adepitan MBE was among the recipients of honorary degrees at this week’s University of West London graduation ceremonies.

Main text

Honorary degrees are awarded for significant contributions to a specific field or society in general and Ade’s impressive achievements in sport and media, as well his unceasing contribution to numerous charities, speak for themselves. 

Ade spoke of being "overwhelmed" on receiving his honorary degree, of the pride of his parents on him receiving this recognition and described it as a powerful moment in his life.  He was inspirational when speaking to the students telling them to:

challenge yourself every day, surprise yourself every day. We are all capable of doing amazing things."

Joining Ade in receiving an honorary degree were several other notable figures from a variety of fields. 

Award-winning creative leader Patrick Younge was recognised for his stellar 30-year career working at some of the world’s biggest broadcasters and his services to education.  

Recently appointed head of Cardiff University’s governing body, Patrick spent seven years as a UWL independent governor where he made an immense contribution. 

With three decades of service for the World Health Organisation, Robert Bos was a deserving recipient of his honorary degree. 

While journalist and BBC presenter Julian Worricker was honoured for his contribution to broadcast journalism. 

Former editor of ‘The Caterer’ and current Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, Mark Lewis’s support for hospitality industry employees was recognised with an award. 

As was business figure Nick Martin, whose extensive achievements include serving as a Cabinet Special Adviser and working as an NHS Trust non-executive director. 

Marcia Hazzard’s career in HR and organisational development has been recognised for her inspirational work on diversity and inclusion. 

Yangos Hadjiyannis, CEO of the Cyprus School of Marketing and a major figure in various important Cypriot organisations, was honoured for promoting education in his home country.

UWL alumni Sunil Sheth receives his honorary degree for his contribution to the legal profession, in particular his work in support of Asian lawyers.

Former UWL Board of Governors member, Mark Cammies, was recognised for his distinguished 35-year career in infrastructure management in the public and private sectors.

Kanya King MBE was given an honorary doctorate from UWL in recognition of a lifetime of work in the music industry, including founding the MOBO Awards.

Multi-award-winning composer Cecilia McDowall was recognised for her incredible lifetime of work in the arts and outstanding contributions to music composition.

Finally, we are so proud to award an honorary doctorate to one of the leading pianists of his generation, John Lill CBE in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding work in music performance.

Photos

Ade Adepitan pitchside at Twickenham with UWL governers including Laurence Geller and Peter John.

Ade Adepitan with UWL governors.

Ade Adepitan sat pitchside at Twickenham Stadium, celebrating his honorary degree.

Ade Adepitan

Julian Worricker with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium

Julian Worricker

Pat Younge with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium

Pat Younge

Robert Bos with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium

Robert Bos

Mark Lewis with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium

Mark Lewis

Marcia Hazzard with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium

Marcia Hazzard

Nick Martin celebrating honorary degree at Twickenham Stadiu.

Nick Martin

Yangos Hadjiyannis celebrating honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium.

Yangos Hadjiyannis

Mark Cammies is wearing the horary degree robes with hat and is standing in front of a white wall with UWL branding on it. He is stood at an angle but is smiling toward the camera.

Mark Cammies

Sunil Sheth is recieving his honorary degree and is wearing the UWL honorary formal gown and cap. He is wearing a grey suit and orange tie and stood in front of the UWL branded white wall.

Sunhil Sheth

Cecilia McDowall is wearing the UWL honorary gown and cap. She is stood in front of the UWL branded white wall. Her hands are clasped in front of her and she is smiling toward the camera.

Cecilia McDowall

Kanya King recieved her honorary degree wearing the red, purple and grey gown and black cap. She is stood in front of the UWL branded white wall and is smiling toward the camera. She has black curly hair and is wearing a black dress.

Kanya King

Ade Adepitan pitchside at Twickenham with UWL governers including Laurence Geller and Peter John.
Ade Adepitan sat pitchside at Twickenham Stadium, celebrating his honorary degree.
Julian Worricker with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium
Pat Younge with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium
Robert Bos with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium
Mark Lewis with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium
Marcia Hazzard with gown and hat, celebrating accepting honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium
Nick Martin celebrating honorary degree at Twickenham Stadiu.
Yangos Hadjiyannis celebrating honorary degree at Twickenham Stadium.
Mark Cammies is wearing the horary degree robes with hat and is standing in front of a white wall with UWL branding on it. He is stood at an angle but is smiling toward the camera.
Sunil Sheth is recieving his honorary degree and is wearing the UWL honorary formal gown and cap. He is wearing a grey suit and orange tie and stood in front of the UWL branded white wall.
Cecilia McDowall is wearing the UWL honorary gown and cap. She is stood in front of the UWL branded white wall. Her hands are clasped in front of her and she is smiling toward the camera.
Kanya King recieved her honorary degree wearing the red, purple and grey gown and black cap. She is stood in front of the UWL branded white wall and is smiling toward the camera. She has black curly hair and is wearing a black dress.

Related news