Trailblazing Warwick Alumni Group Honoured with Inaugural Ashton Award in Namibia
The University of Warwick has proudly presented the inaugural Ashton Award to an extraordinary group of alumni who studied at Warwick between 1979 and 1989, in recognition of their collective achievements in shaping the transformation of Namibia.
The Ashton Award, named after Baroness Catherine Ashton, the University’s first female Chancellor and a global advocate for diplomacy and justice, celebrates the power of collective alumni action to bring about meaningful change.
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 gobal mission.
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. Held in her home country, at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the event paid tribute to her remarkable career in law, human rights, public health, and international diplomacy, and her role in shaping Warwick’s future.
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."
The events were positioned as a key moment in the University’s Africa Strategy, delivered by the Warwick Africa Hub, reinforcing Warwick’s commitment to developing deep, strategic relationships across the African continent and reaffirming its place as a truly global university.
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 60th anniversary year”.
These events demonstrate the Warwick Africa Hub's dedication to building equitable partnerships through the exchange of knowledge, collaborative research, and inclusive education. Africa is undergoing a remarkable period of economic and social transformation, with higher education playing a key role. By deepening our understanding of our partners' priorities and development needs, the Warwick Africa Hub is fostering collaborations based on principles of mutually beneficial engagement.
For more information about these initiatives or to explore study and research opportunities with Warwick, please visit the Warwick Africa Hub website.
ENDS
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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.
About the Warwick Africa Hub
The Warwick Africa Hub was established in 2022 to focus on advancing new research ideas unconstrained by disciplinary boundaries and innovative education initiatives. Our ambition is for collaborations that extend beyond universities.
We have strong cross-cultural relationships with individuals and institutions across sub-Saharan Africa. Our new collaborations are driving global change.