Celebrated singer-songwriter Toyah Willcox, acclaimed author and journalist Helen Lewis, internationally renowned historian Professor Dame Linda Colley, and sports stars Dawn Scott and Lark Atkin-Davies are among those who will be honoured by the University of Worcester at this year’s graduation ceremonies.
The five will receive Honorary Doctorates alongside hundreds of graduating students during ceremonies at Worcester Cathedral from September 8 to 10.
Several distinguished individuals from business, education, the arts, charitable organisations and community leadership will also receive University Fellowships in recognition of their contributions to society and their support of the University and the wider region.
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “Graduation is always one of the highlights of the University year as we celebrate the achievements of our students alongside individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their chosen fields. We are delighted to welcome family members and friends to Worcester Cathedral to share in this special occasion and celebrate the success of their loved ones.”
This year’s celebrations will come just weeks after the University of Worcester was named University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 by the Daily Mail University Guide. Judges praised Worcester’s record for securing high-skilled employment for graduates, describing a performance that “rivals the best in the country” and leaves “many of the Russell Group in the shade”. The honour follows the publication of Government data showing Worcester to be the UK’s leading multi-subject university for graduates entering sustained employment, further study, or both, one year after graduation.
Professor Green added: “We are immensely proud of our graduates and of the success they achieve after leaving Worcester. This latest national recognition underlines the value of a Worcester education and makes this year’s graduation celebrations particularly special as we welcome our newest graduates into our alumni community.”
Among those receiving Honorary Doctorates is singer-songwriter, actress and television presenter Toyah Willcox, who lives in Pershore. During a career spanning more than four decades, Toyah has recorded 25 albums, achieved 13 Top 40 singles, appeared in more than 20 feature films and over 40 stage productions, and become one of Britain’s most distinctive and enduring performers. Alongside her artistic achievements, she is a Patron of the Avon Navigation Trust, supporting environmental education and youth programmes.
“I am thrilled to receive Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Worcester,” she said. “I have constantly strived to push boundaries in an unpredictable industry and if my life can inspire, guide and help those who are about to do the same then my 50 years in show business means even more to me today. This honour will be a highlight of my life, and I am grateful to all who have made it possible. I very much look forward to the day I receive it.”
Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate is Helen Lewis, the acclaimed author, journalist and broadcaster who grew up in Worcester. A staff writer at The Atlantic, Helen has written for many of the UK’s leading newspapers and magazines and has presented programmes on BBC Radio 4. Her career has taken her around the world, while an interview she conducted with Jordan Peterson for GQ has been viewed more than 70 million times online.
“It is a real honour to receive this honorary degree from the University of Worcester,” said Helen.
She added: “I grew up in the city; learning to swim at Sansome Walk, attending church at St George’s and catching the train at Foregate Street Station to visit the, to me, unimaginably exotic and glamorous shops in the old Bull Ring in Birmingham.
“These days, I love coming home to see my parents. Visiting the Christmas tree displays in the Cathedral or walking along the river past Diglis to see the salmon pass in the spring or going up Fort Royal to see the same view as the soldiers in the Civil War.
“Worcester is a beautiful city with a strong sense of history. I’m really excited to meet some of the young people receiving degrees who will make its future happen.”
Internationally recognised sports performance expert, Dr Dawn Scott, will also receive an Honorary award. Having begun her professional career teaching sport science at the University of Worcester, she went on to become one of the most influential figures in women’s football, serving as Head of High Performance for the United States Women’s National Team during a period that included two FIFA Women’s World Cup triumphs and an Olympic gold medal.
Another Worcester-born recipient is Lark Atkin-Davies, who developed her rugby career in the city before going on to represent England’s Red Roses and Bristol Bears. A University of Worcester graduate herself, she has earned 74 England caps and contributed to England’s recent Women’s Rugby World Cup success and multiple Six Nations Grand Slam victories.
The University will also award an Honorary Doctorate to internationally renowned historian Professor Dame Linda Colley, one of the world’s leading scholars of British history, empire and constitutionalism.
Those receiving University Fellowships are Lee Gough, Chief Executive of Megan Baker House; Dr Frederick Moroni, Chief Executive of Malvern Theatres; Jennifer Long, CEO of IceBlue and a leading voice in technology and innovation across the Midlands; Emma Pritchard, Chief Executive of Black Pear Trust; Samuel McPherson, Founder and Director of Maverick Sounds; and Sharon Smith, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
Around 2,500 students are expected to graduate during three-days of ceremonies, celebrating achievements across subjects including health, education, business, science, humanities, sport and the arts.