Our graduation ceremonies are a time to celebrate achievement, ambition and the people whose contributions inspire others to reach their full potential. This year, we are proud to recognise a number of exceptional individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact in their respective fields.
Jenny Meadows
Former international middle-distance runner and Olympic coach Jenny Meadows has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contribution to athletics, coaching and inspiring future generations.>
A Liverpool Hope alumna, Jenny has enjoyed an illustrious career both on and off the track. After winning World Championship bronze for Great Britain in 2009, she has gone on to establish herself as one of the country's leading athletics coaches, helping guide athletes including Olympic champion Keeley Hodgkinson to international success.>
Speaking ahead of receiving her award, Jenny reflected on the role Liverpool Hope played in shaping her confidence and career.
"I definitely found my voice when I was here," she said. "I had to stand on my own two feet, ask questions and grow into being an adult. Those communication skills have stayed with me throughout my career."
Jenny also shared her passion for helping others fulfil their potential, encouraging graduates to embrace life's challenges and remember that success is about becoming "the best version of yourself."
Joan Bonenfant
The University has also awarded a Senior Fellowship to Joan Bonenfant in recognition of her lifelong commitment to education.
Throughout a distinguished career spanning teaching, education leadership and inspection, Joan has dedicated herself to improving opportunities for young people and championing high-quality education for all.
Receiving the Fellowship, Joan said she was "thrilled" and "humbled" to have her work recognised.
"Education is in my DNA," she said. "From the start of my career I have wanted to make a difference to people's lives and have a clear conviction that we must provide as good an education for the children we teach as we would want for our own children."
Joan also highlighted the importance of early years education, reading and family engagement in helping children thrive, calling reading "a golden key" that opens opportunities throughout life.
John Mohin OBE
International businessman and Wedgwood ambassador John Mohin has been awarded a Senior Fellowship in recognition of his distinguished career in global business and his contribution to promoting British heritage, enterprise and education around the world.
Born and raised in Liverpool, John spent 35 years with Wedgwood, rising to Managing Director before leading the iconic brand across international markets including Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
Speaking ahead of receiving his award, John reflected on the honour and his connection to Liverpool Hope.
"I am truly honoured and delighted," he said. "I've felt part of the community of this University for some time, but today I feel part of the family."
John also encouraged graduates to value lifelong learning and protect their reputation as they begin their careers.
"Your reputation is everything," he said. "When employers are choosing between candidates with similar qualifications, it's often your character that sets you apart. Reputation is far easier to maintain than it is to recover."
Lord David Alton
Long-standing parliamentarian and human rights advocate Lord David Alton has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public service and the defence of human rights.
A former student at Christ's College, one of Liverpool Hope University's founding colleges, Lord Alton began his political career while studying in Liverpool before going on to spend decades campaigning on issues including modern slavery, freedom of religion and human rights across the world.
Speaking ahead of receiving his award, Lord Alton reflected on the role Liverpool Hope played in shaping his life and career.
"What I got here was an extraordinary opportunity to deepen my intellectual interest, my friendships and my faith," he said. "The spirit is as strong as it ever was."
Lord Alton also encouraged graduates to recognise the power of compassion and service, reminding them that meaningful change often starts with helping one person at a time.
"Life is about relationships," he said. "Getting some minor injustice put right can transform people's lives. Small deeds do make a difference."
Esther Ghey
Mental health campaigner and founder of the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project, Esther Ghey has been awarded an Senior Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contribution to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people and families.
A Liverpool Hope alumna, Esther described receiving the honour as an emotional full-circle moment.
"It almost feels like I've come home," she said. "I was really shocked when I found out I was receiving the award. I just felt completely honoured because I was a student here, and it was one of the best times of my life."
Offering advice to this year's graduates, Esther encouraged them to embrace life's unexpected twists.
"Life isn't linear. Follow your heart and do what really means something to you. If life throws a curveball, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. Something just as good can come from it."
Dame Rachel de Souza
The England's Children’s Commissioner, spoke of the importance of listening to children when receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Liverpool Hope University.
Dame Rachel said the award is a particularly meaningful recognition because of her lifelong commitment to education and Liverpool Hope’s role in preparing future teachers and social workers.
“It’s such an honour. It was a real delight, especially from Liverpool Hope,” she said. “Liverpool Hope is somewhere that is creating the teachers of the future, and for me, that means such a lot. It’s like being honoured by my people.”
A former teacher and headteacher herself, Dame Rachel is clear about the importance of creating the conditions in which children can flourish. Offering advice to Hope graduates about to enter the teaching profession, she described teaching as one of the most rewarding careers imaginable.
Encouraging future teachers to look beyond academic outcomes alone, she added: “Remember, it’s not just about outcomes. We actually need to give our children a great childhood, and you are going to be key to that.”
Read more about Liverpool Hope University's Honorary Doctorates and Senior Fellows.