Poppy Cleall
Doctor of Arts (2023)
Poppy CleallPoppy Cleall is a Rugby Union Player who has achieved 64 caps for England, two silver medals at successive World Cup's, and is cited as the Premiership's leading try-scorer of all time. As well as representing her country, Poppy plays for Saracens Women, who she has helped to win four Premiership tiles.
An active campaigner for gender diversity in sport, Poppy launched the Women's Rugby Agency, to co-ordinate coaching sessions and player appearances for schools and charities. Having grown up with a lack of visible female role models, Poppy hopes the agency's work can encourage and inspire more young girls into sport.
Download Poppy Cleall's citation (pdf 76kb)
Alice Tai, MBE
Honorary Doctor of Arts (2022)
Alice TaiAlice Tai is a record-breaking Paralympic swimmer, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games just six months after learning to walk again following an amputation of her right leg. Alice was born and raised in Dorset, where she began swimming at the age of eight with the Seagulls Swimming Club in Christchurch. After being selected to join the national para-swim team, Alice won gold medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, 2018 European Para Swimming Championships and 2019 World Para Swimming Championships. In recognition of her success in the pool and her role as an ambassador for the sport, Alice was made an MBE for services to swimming in 2016.
Download Alice's citation (pdf 66kb)
Geva Mentor, CBE
Honorary Doctor of Arts (2022)
Geva Mentor, CBEGeva Mentor is a medal-winning international netball player who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. Geva made her international debut aged 16 and has since earned 160 caps for England. She was part of the team that won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and was made a CBE for services to netball in 2019. A champion for social inclusion, Geva is a patron of a sports foundation and an ambassador for a trust working with vulnerable women and young people.
Download Geva's citation (pdf 74kb)
Frank Bruno
Doctor of Arts (2018)
Frank BrunoFrank Bruno is arguably Britain’s most famous boxer, having won 40 victories during his professional career, including the World Heavyweight Championship in 1995.
In 2003 Frank was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, since then he has since used his experiences, and his considerable public profile, to help break taboos around mental illness.
He has been awarded an MBE for services to boxing, the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Award and multiple lifetime achievement awards.
Download Frank's citation (pdf 31kb)
Lucy Shuker
Doctor of Arts (2017)
Following a motorbike accident in 2001, Lucy has launched a career in Wheelchair Tennis which has seen her achieve two Paralympic Bronze Medals, and over 25 singles and 55 doubles titles.
Lucy is an ambassador for Paralympic sport and regularly visits schools to raise awareness of opportunities for disabled athletes, break down prejudices and inspire young people.
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Jeff Mostyn
Doctor of Business Administration (2017)
Jeff is a businessman and entrepreneur, who spent twenty five years running a successful company, providing financial advice and services to members of the armed forces.
In 2006 he invested in the ailing football club that was AFC Bournemouth, and is best known for overseeing the club’s ‘rags to riches’ journey from Division Two to football’s Premier League.
Jeff is currently Chairman of AFC Bournemouth.
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Liz Yelling
Doctor of Arts (2015)
Liz Yelling is an Olympic athlete who won the bronze medal for the marathon at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Since retiring from elite athletics, she has run a sports performance company with her husband, and is a Grants Board Member of the Women's Sports Trust and Patron/Ambassador for Julia's House Hospice.
With a commitment to encouraging participation in sport, Liz supports the ever-growing Parkrun movement.
Download Liz Yelling's citation (pdf 15kb)
Peter Wilson MBE
Doctor of Arts (2013)
Peter Wilson is a world leader in sports shooting who specialises in the Double Trap event.
He won a gold medal in the London 2012 Olympics, won the World Cup in 2011 and 2012, and holds UK and world records.
Peter is also a shooting coach and an inspirational speaker.
He was appointed MBE in 2013 for services to shooting.
Helena Lucas MBE
Doctor of Arts (2013)
Helena Lucas is a professional yachtswoman who, uniquely, has taken part in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Her gold medal at Weymouth in 2012, which she won single-handed in a small keelboat, was Britain's first Paralympic sailing award. Helena is also a successful yacht designer.
She was appointed MBE in 2013 for services to sailing.
Eddie Bullock
Doctor of Business Administration (2013)
Eddie Bullock is a prominent international leader in golf and leisure management, widely influential as a conference speaker, writer and consultant.
He was Captain of the Professional Golfers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland in 2011-13.
Eddie is a distinguished ambassador for golf, and has recently received a NATO Medal for promoting the sport in Afghanistan.
Dr David Alred MBE
Doctor of Education (2013)
Dr David Alred is a distinguished international sports performance coach and former professional rugby player.
Exceptionally versatile, his career highlights have included England's 2003 Rugby World Cup, the 1997 British Lions Tour, and helping Luke Donald to his World Number 1 ranking in golf.
Dave was appointed MBE in 2004 for services to rugby union.
Darren Kenny OBE
Doctor of Arts (2009)
Darren Kenny is an outstanding Paralympic cyclist who sets an inspirational example of determination and perseverance against the odds.
Accidents and injuries seemed to have ended his career at the age of 18, but he returned to competitive cycling some years later and swiftly rose to the heights of international success.
At the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing he won four gold medals and one silver, following two gold medals and one silver at Athens in 2004.
In London 2012, he added a further bronze and silver to his medal haul. He has been World Cup champion six times and holds numerous speed records.