Triple MOBO winner, bestselling author and rugby trailblazer among Herts alumni to receive honorary doctorates

Triple MOBO Award-winning rapper, author and broadcaster Guvna B, internationally bestselling children's author Harriet Muncaster and pioneering rugby player and neonatal nurse Zainab Alema are among 15 individuals being recognised by the University of Hertfordshire with honorary doctorates during their latest graduation ceremonies – starting today (Tuesday 8 September) – including 14 award recipients and one posthumous award.

The honours celebrate a diverse group of individuals whose achievements have inspired others, broken down barriers and made a lasting impact in fields ranging from music and literature to business, healthcare, sport and education.

Guvna B (Isaac Borquaye) will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business in recognition of his contribution to music, broadcasting and literature. Alongside a successful recording career that has earned him three MOBO Awards, he has become an influential voice through his work as an author and broadcaster.

Hitchin-based author Harriet Muncaster will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Arts. Since creating the much-loved Isadora Moon series, she has captured the imaginations of millions of children around the world. Her stories have been translated into 42 languages, sold more than seven million copies, and adapted into a popular Sky television series.

Nohman Sultan Ahmed, co-founder of lifestyle shoe care brand Crep Protect, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business. What began as an innovative product has grown into a globally recognised brand with a devoted following across the international sneaker community.

Zainab Alema will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science. A neonatal nurse, mother of three and the first hijab-wearing player in Premiership Rugby, she has inspired countless women and young Muslim athletes through her sporting achievements and advocacy. She is also the founder of Studs in the Mud, a charitable initiative supporting grassroots rugby in Ghana.

Former England and Saracens rugby player Brad Barritt will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business. Following an outstanding career in professional sport, he has successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship as co-founder of coffee brand Tiki Tonga Coffee.

Dr Amira Guirguis, Professor of Pharmacy Practice and an internationally recognised expert in substance misuse, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science for her contribution to pharmacy, education and research.

The University will also honour a number of individuals whose leadership, service and commitment have helped shape both the University of Hertfordshire and the wider Hertfordshire community.

Among them are former Vice-Chancellor Professor Quintin McKellar CBE DL; civic leader and charity patron The Hon. Alderman Annie Brewster DL JP; Adrian Hawkins OBE, a longstanding champion of Hertfordshire's business community; and John O'Callaghan, recently retired Director of the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership.

The University will also recognise Professor Emeritus Michael Rosier for his contribution to its international education work, Rebecca Hawkes, Managing Director of Sky Studios, for her contribution to the creative industries, and two individuals who have played a pivotal role in strengthening the University's international partnerships: Wendy (Wenquin) Wang, Dean of Hertfordshire College at Changzhou Institute of Technology, and Rabia Bhuiyan, founder of Bhuiyan Academy and a champion of legal education and women's rights in Bangladesh.

A posthumous award will be made to Herts’ former University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Julie Newlan MBE, who sadly passed away earlier this year, in recognition of her contribution to the University and higher education.

The awards will be presented at St Albans Cathedral during the University’s graduation ceremonies, which run until 17 September and will see around 7,000 Herts students celebrate the successful completion of their undergraduate and postgraduate studies alongside family, friends and supporters.

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

"The stories behind this year's honorary graduates are extraordinary. Across 15 awards, we are recognising artists, authors, athletes, educators, business leaders and changemakers whose achievements have inspired others and made a lasting impact on society.

“What makes this year's cohort particularly special is that so many are Herts alumni. Their success is a powerful reminder that talent can take many forms and that there is no limit to where ambition, determination and a great education can lead.

“As we celebrate some 7,000 students graduating this September, we are proud to honour a group of individuals whose achievements embody the creativity, resilience and impact we strive to nurture in all our students."

Find out more about studying at the UIniversity of Hertfordshire.