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Twelve alumni recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

A number of Warwick alumni have been recognised for their outstanding contributions in the recent King’s Birthday Honours. Twelve individuals have each been celebrated and honoured for their tireless work and commitment, as well as the incredible impact they have on the world around them.

Elizabeth Hambley (LLB Law, 1991) Director General Legal, Government Legal Department has become a Companion of Order of the Bath for services to law. Founded in 1725, the Order of the Bath is an order of chivalry given for service of the highest calibre.

Three alumni have been awarded Commander of the British Empire (CBE), the highest second-class honour bestowed to individuals for playing a leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or for making a "highly distinguished, innovative contribution" in a particular activity.

Actor Alex Jennings (BA English and Theatre Studies, 1978 / Hon DLitt, 1999) who is best known for his portrayal of King Charles in 2006 film The Queen alongside Dame Helen Mirren and more recently as Conservative MP James Arbuthnot in Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, has been awarded a CBE for services to drama.

Sarah Connolly (BA History and Politics, 2000) Director, Security and Online Harms, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has received a CBE for services to online safety.

Gregor McGill (LLB Law, 1984) Director of Legal Services, Crown Prosecution Service has been awarded a CBE for services to law and order.

OBEs and MBEs mark outstanding achievement or service in public and community life and reward people who are committed to making a difference.

OBEs have been awarded to five alumni including:

Vivienne Hayes (BA Sociology, 1983) Chief Executive Officer, Women's Resource Centre. For services to social justice.

Orla McCrae (BA History, 2009) Deputy Director, Department for Science Innovation and Technology. For services to online safety.

Professor Dudley Shallcross (Hon Grad Hon DSc, 2023) Chief Executive Officer, Primary Science Teaching Trust, Bristol. For services to education.

Dr Hannana Siddiqui (PhD Social Work and Social Policy, 2014) Head of Policy, Complaints and Research, Southhall Black Sisters. For services to the prevention of violence against women.

Nicolas Temple (BA English and American Literature, 1999) Chief Executive Officer, Social Investment Business. For services to social enterprise.

A further three alumni have been awarded MBEs:

Namir Chowdhury (BA PPE, 2019) Regional Representative for Europe and the Americas, Commonwealth Youth Council. For services to young people in the UK and abroad.

Robert Peal (PGCE Secondary History, 2012) Member, Cultural Education Plan Expert Advisory Panel. For services to education.

Nicola Wynne (MA European Cultural Policy and Administration, 1994) Director of Development, St Paul's Cathedral. For services to Heritage and to Charity, particularly the Remember Me Project. 

Rebecca Kilcullen, Head of Alumni and Supporter Engagement at Warwick, said: “We’re delighted and enormously proud to see so many of our global alumni community named in the King's Birthday Honours. It's richly deserved recognition for the recipients' impact in their respective fields.”

In total 1,000 people from across the UK have received honours, for the "immeasurable impact" they have had on the lives of people across the country.

King's Honours alumni

Left: Alex Jennings CBE, BA English and Theatre Studies, 1978 / Hon DLitt, 1999

Centre: Elizabeth Hambley CBE, LLB Law, 1991

Right: Gregor McGill CBE, LLB Law, 1984