Honorary Graduates
Each year, the University makes a number of honorary awards that recognise outstanding service to the University, to the City of Birmingham and the West Midlands, or to public or professional life nationally and internationally.
Here we take a look at our Honorary Graduates, across a wide range of professional fields and industries.
Recent Honorary Graduates
Carl Arntzen
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
CEO of Worcester Bosch
Carl Arntzen is the CEO of Worcester Bosch. Under his leadership, the Bosch Group is active in the global Women in Engineering movement. A former semi-professional rugby union player, he is also heavily involved with the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology.
Graduated: 2025
Read moreDr Vanley Burke
Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
Award-winning photographer
Dr Vanley Burke is an award-winning photographer who created one of the most significant archives of Black British life and culture. Known as the ‘Godfather of Black British Photography’ and now a Visiting Professor at BCU, he moved to Birmingham from Jamaica when he was 14.
Graduated: 2025
Read moreSimon Labbett
Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Advocate and campaigner for vision rehabilitation
Simon Labbett is an advocate and campaigner for vision rehabilitation. A Visual Rehabilitation Specialist, he was a key player in the founding of the Rehabilitation Workers Professional Network. His day job is working in the sensory needs service at Bradford Adult Social Services.
Graduated: 2025
Read moreWade Lyn CBE
Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
Entrepreneur and Founder of Cleone Foods Ltd
Wade Lyn CBE is a Birmingham entrepreneur and founder of Birmingham-based Cleone Foods Ltd, the largest manufacturer of Jamaican patties in the UK. Born in Jamaica, his prowess and expertise earned him a role as a business ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, now King’s Trust.
Graduated: 2025
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