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 past and present, across a wide range of professional fields and industries.
Recent Honorary Graduates
![Shaherazad Umbreen honorary doctorate recipient at Birmingham City University (BCU)](https://cphfcrflaa.cloudimg.io/_bcuimages/shaz-umbreen-web-pic-133174830255509268.png)
Shaherazad Umbreen
Shaherazad Umbreen is a proud Brummie and attended Birmingham City University, graduating in 1999.
![](https://cphfcrflaa.cloudimg.io/_bcuimages/dame-denise-lewis-is-the-recipient-of-an-honorary-doctorate-from-birnmingham-city-university-crop-133177438432018669.jpg)
Dame Denise Lewis
Denise is an accomplished presenter, broadcaster, former athlete and President of Commonwealth Games England.
![](https://cphfcrflaa.cloudimg.io/_bcuimages/richard-gill-hondoc-133156698771313593.png)
Richard Gill CBE
Richard has made a significant contribution in his almost 30 years’ working in education. A respected National Leader of Education and Trust Leader.
![sally-ashton-may](https://cphfcrflaa.cloudimg.io/_bcuimages/sally-ashton-may-web-133174139757850278.png)
Sally Ashton-May
Sally is currently Director of Midwifery Policy and Practice at the Royal College of Midwives supporting delivery of the professional association agenda locally, nationally and internationally.