Honorary Fellowships 2018

A world-class cricket player, a leading firefighter, a successful entrepreneur and a chief executive of a national charity are among those who will be made Honorary Fellows of Cardiff University at its degree ceremonies this week. (July 16-20).

England women’s cricket captain Heather Knight OBE will join Assistant Commissioner for London Fire Brigade Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, business mentor Lyndon Wood and head of Welsh Women’s Aid Eleri Butler MBE to receive the honours, which are awarded to individuals who have achieved outstanding recognition in their fields.

Five other eminent figures from a variety of specialisms including technology, transport and education will also receive Honorary Fellowships. These include Phil Smith, Cynthia Ogbonna ACMA, Professor Lazarus Hangula, Valerie Le Vailannt OBE and David Anderson OBE.

The full list of Honorary Fellows for 2018 is:

Heather Knight OBE (BSc 2012) is the England women’s cricket captain. She led the team to World Cup glory in the summer of 2017, lifting the trophy on home soil at Lords cricket ground and was subsequently awarded an OBE for services to cricket.

Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton (PhD 2014) is an Assistant Commissioner seconded to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services from London Fire Brigade. She is also an experimental psychologist and leads on award-winning research into risk-critical decision making that is improving safety and revolutionising national command policy for all emergency services.

Lyndon Wood is one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs and business mentors, with involvement in several sectors including finance and insurance, health and fitness, media, property and retail. His greatest passion is sharing his knowledge and experience to help businesses and individuals achieve success.

Eleri Butler MBE is Chief Executive of Welsh Women’s Aid - the national umbrella organisation working to end violence against women. A passionate campaigner for social justice and equality, in 2007 she was awarded an MBE for services to women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Phil Smith is Senior Independent Director of IQE PLC, a leading advanced materials solutions company based in Cardiff. Passionate about innovation, skills, technology, digitisation and leadership, he is also Chair of Innovate UK and the Tech Partnership.

Cynthia Ogbonna ACMA (MBA 1996) is the first female in the 110-year history of Cardiff Bus to be appointed Managing Director. She has worked to make public transport more accessible and sustainable and has also committed the company to be a living wage employer.

Professor Lazarus Hangula is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia and a founding member of the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA). Under his leadership, the University of Namibia has been rated among Africa’s top 30 best universities and was awarded the International Diamond Prize for Excellence in Quality by the European Society for Quality Research.

Valerie Le Vaillant OBE (BArch 1980) is a multi-disciplinary property professional, a chartered architect, town planner, surveyor and environmentalist. She manages a consultancy specialising in complex community regeneration and sustainable development projects, as well as heritage work.

David Anderson OBE is Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, and former president of the Museums Association. He has published widely on museums, cultural policy and cultural rights, as well as a UK government report on museums and learning.

More than 7,000 students will graduate in this year's ceremonies, becoming part of a 160,000-strong alumni network in over 180 countries and gaining access to a whole host of alumni benefits.

Approximately 20,000 friends and family will be welcomed to Cardiff for the celebrations. The event, which is one of the biggest in the University's calendar, will be streamed live on its website.

Honorary Fellowships ceremony details:

• Professor Lazarus Hangula: Monday 16 July, 4.30pm
• Valerie Le Vaillant OBE: Tuesday 17 July, 12pm
• David Anderson: Tuesday 17 July, 2.45pm
• Heather Knight, OBE: Tuesday 17 July, 5.30pm
• Phil Smith: Wednesday 18 July, 1.15pm
• Eleri Butler: Wednesday 18 July, 4.30pm
• Lyndon Wood: Thursday 19 July, 2.45pm
• Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton: Friday 20 July, 1.15pm
• Cynthia Ogbonna ACMA: Friday 20 July, 4.30pm