Inaugural Ashton Awards in Namibia
Ashton Award
As part of the University of Warwick's 60th Anniversary celebrations, an extraordinary group of alumni who studied at Warwick between 1979 and 1989, were presented with the inaugural Ashton Award in recognition of their collective achievements in shaping the transformation of Namibia.
This first group of recipients were selected for their critical role in driving the dramatic political and social transformation of Namibia, following its independence – a movement rooted in strong values and convictions, and deeply empowered by their Warwick educational experience. The presentation took place at a special event in Namibia at the beginning of May, marking a milestone in Warwick’s long-standing relationship with Africa and its global mission.
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chancellor of the University of Warwick Advocate Bience Gawanas, accepted the award on behalf of the alumni group.
She shared: "We were just students, fighting for Namibia’s independence. None of us stayed abroad, we all came back, joined the public service, and served our country, some until retirement. Looking back, we never imagined we’d one day celebrate like this, in an independent Namibia.
“This honour marks the height of our collective achievements as students and freedom fighters. As Warwick alumni, we are deeply proud and profoundly honoured."
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, said: “We’ve always honoured individuals for their contributions with honorary degrees, but it's often teams, communities, and groups who together drive transformative change. The Ashton Award recognises those collective efforts and brings together a group of alumni who have made a fantastic difference.
“Warwick has always thrived from our diverse and inclusive global community of students, staff and alumni. In the late 70s and 80s, we welcomed Namibian refugees, people who were stateless and homeless, and supported them to help them become the people they were destined to be.
“Today, we continue this work and hold the honour of being a University of Sanctuary and remain committed to asylum seekers and refugees being able to access higher education. The spirit of outreach has always been part of our DNA and it’s a great way of marking this occasion in our 60thanniversary year”.
About the Ashton Award
Launched in 2025, the Ashton Award is named for Baroness Catherine Ashton, the University of Warwick’s first female Chancellor and a globally respected diplomat. The award recognises the collective power of alumni groups who have worked together to make a significant, lasting contribution to society.
Chancellor's Celebration Event
A further celebration was held in honour of Warwick’s current Chancellor, Advocate Bience Gawanas, following her formal installation at the University’s January graduation ceremonies in her home country, at the Namibia University of Science and Technology with our wider alumni community who talked about their experiences coming to Warwick and how that shaped their lives.