A prison reformer, one of the UK’s most experienced leaders in football, and a world-renowned human rights lawyer are among those being recognised for their positive contribution to society by Keele University.
The university is awarding five honorary doctorates at its summer graduation ceremonies in July, where thousands of students will also be celebrated for their academic achievements.
This year’s honours are being given to Pia Sinha, Chief Executive of the Prison Reform Trust; Rick Parry, Chairman of the English Football League; 2023 European Legal Award winner Jason McCue, pioneering scientist Sir Richard Catlow and former Keele student Professor Fumiko Yonezawa, who will receive the first posthumous honorary degree awarded by the University.
Manali Lukha, who works for ITV News and is head of the Millbank Studio in the heart of Westminster, will also be appointed to Keele’s College of Fellows. Manali graduated from Keele in 1996 with a degree in Geography and Geology, and completed a Master’s in Information Technology in 1997.
Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “Celebrating the successes of our graduates is one of the highlights of the year for us at the University, and this year promises to be extra special with Keele celebrating its 75th anniversary.
“This year’s honorary graduates have all made a real difference to the world in their respective fields and will be excellent, inspirational role models for our students and graduates.
“I’m delighted we are also awarding a posthumous honorary degree to Professor Fumiko Yonezawa, who came to Keele in the 1960s and went on to become the first female President of the Physical Society of Japan.
“Fumiko is a real inspiration for the whole community of female scientists, and a symbol of the ongoing connection and friendship between Japan, Keele and the UK.”
