University of Liverpool to Bestow Honorary Degrees on Seven Leading Figures in Arts, Peace and Science

University of Liverpool to Bestow Honorary Degrees on Seven Leading Figures in Arts, Peace and Science

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool will honor seven eminent figures—spanning poetry, peace advocacy, philanthropy, medicine, molecular biology, and finance—with honorary degrees during its ceremonies at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Featuring Liverpool poet Levi Tafari, peace activists Colin and Wendy Parry, businessman Steve Morgan, public health expert Ruth Hussey, Nobel Prize winner Richard Henderson, and financier Huw Jenkins, the week’s events coincide with the graduation of 7,500 students. Vice-Chancellor Tim Jones emphasizes that these honorary awards both recognize exceptional achievements and inspire new graduates through shared experiences and guidance.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 15-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Liverpool this week celebrates seven distinguished individuals from the realms of culture, social justice, health, science, and research with honorary degrees. Among the honorees are Liverpool-born performance poet Levi Tafari and Colin and Wendy Parry, who established the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation in 2000 after losing their son Tim in the 1993 Warrington IRA bombing. These recipients join other luminaries recognized for their exceptional contributions.

The conferral ceremonies unfold at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall throughout graduation week, where 7,500 students will receive their degrees. Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones remarks, “I am thrilled to welcome our honorary graduates into the University of Liverpool family—individuals whose outstanding achievements and ties to our institution offer inspiration to us all. As we honour years of dedication and hard work, our honorary graduates not only receive formal accolades but also share their personal journeys, imparting wisdom and encouragement to our new alumni.”

The 2025 honorary degree recipients are:

• Levi Tafari, a Liverpool native whose Rastafari-inspired performance poetry has earned him widespread acclaim, including a Citizen of Honour award in 2023 and a headline slot at the 2024 Liverpool Literary Festival.
• Colin and Wendy Parry, who founded the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation to support youth and communities affected by terrorism.
• Steve Morgan, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist; founder of Redrow plc and the Steve Morgan Foundation, which aids disadvantaged groups across North Wales, Merseyside, and Cheshire.
• Ruth Hussey, GP-turned-public-health leader who developed the University’s Master of Public Health programme and later served as Liverpool’s Director of Public Health.
• Richard Henderson, Nobel Laureate and molecular biologist whose pioneering work in electron microscopy has transformed our understanding of biological structures.
• Huw Jenkins, investment banking and commodities specialist, University alumnus (BA Sociology and Psychology, 1980) and creator of a PhD scholarship in social entrepreneurship.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

Catrin Owen
Media Relations Manager – Humanities and Social Sciences
T: +44 (0)7721 834238
E: catrin.owen@liverpool.ac.uk

Sarah Stamper
Media Relations Manager – Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)7970 247396
E: sarah.stamper@liverpool.ac.uk

Jennifer Morgan
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0)7775 547589
E: J.L.Morgan@liverpool.ac.uk

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool