Birmingham Newman University has revealed the recipients of its 2024 Honorary Doctorates, celebrating their outstanding achievements in education, sport, and community leadership.
This year’s distinguished honourees embody the University’s values of social mobility, inclusion and community.
Professor Jackie Dunne, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham Newman University:
“We are proud to award Dr Dawn Casserley, Joe Fraser and Saidul Haque Saeed with honorary degrees from Birmingham Newman University. All three are exemplary role models who have excelled in their respective fields and inspired many people across Birmingham and beyond in making a difference to the lives of others. Their stories are interlinked with the stories of our graduates which encompass a strong tradition of community and inclusion. Dawn, Joe and Saidul’s honorary degrees reflect the values and the thinking of our Patron, Saint John Henry Newman on the importance of civic responsibility.”
Dr Dawn Casserly: A Champion of Catholic Education
Dr Dawn Casserly, the headteacher of St Paul’s School for Girls in Edgbaston, has been honoured for her exceptional contributions to education and her strong partnership with Birmingham Newman University. A former pupil of St Paul’s, Dr Casserly has had an illustrious career in Catholic education, returning to her alma mater as an RE teacher before progressing to leadership.
Dr Casserly has worked closely with Birmingham Newman University, supporting trainee teachers and ensuring her students benefit from the University’s experience days. As a member of the Partnership Strategy group for Secondary Initial Teacher Education (ITE), she has also shared her expertise at Newman through themed activities, such as pastoral leadership workshops and as a guest speaker for International Women’s Week.
Her dedication to education and the development of future educators through her collaboration with Birmingham Newman University has made her an inspirational figure in the field, committed to the success of both her students and the teaching profession.
Joe Fraser: Gymnastics Star and Community Role Model
At just 25 years old, Joe Fraser has already made history as a leading figure in British men’s artistic gymnastics. Born in Birmingham and training at the City of Birmingham Gymnastics Club, Fraser has represented Great Britain on the world stage, including the Tokyo Olympics, European Championships, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. His gold medal win on the parallel bars at the 2019 World Gymnastics Championships marked him as the first Black male to achieve this distinction.
Despite his success, Fraser has faced and overcome significant challenges. Born with six fingers on each hand, he had surgery as a baby to remove the additional digits, and in 2022, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, winning gold on the pommel horse at the Commonwealth Games despite recently suffering a broken foot. Fraser’s tenacity and excellence make him a role model for young athletes and a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Fraser’s recognition as an honorary graduate underscores Birmingham Newman University’s commitment to social mobility, community engagement, and the pursuit of excellence, celebrating not just his athletic achievements but his role as an inspiring figure for future generations.
Saidul Haque Saeed: Community Organiser and Advocate for Inclusion
Saidul Haque Saeed will receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Birmingham Newman University and the wider community. As the lead organiser for Birmingham Citizens UK, Saeed has been instrumental in driving social change, training over a thousand community leaders, and spearheading campaigns on youth mental health, community safety, refugee resettlement, and ethnic minority entrepreneurship.
Saeed’s advocacy for the Real Living Wage, particularly through campaigns that have benefited many institutions, including Birmingham Newman University, has had a profound impact on the local economy and social mobility. His long-standing relationship with Birmingham Newman has enriched the university’s projects and strengthened its connections with diverse communities in Birmingham.
These honorary degrees will be conferred during the University’s graduation ceremonies on Monday 28th October at the ICC in Birmingham City Centre.
Birmingham Newman University offers foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees in subjects ranging from teaching and education to business management, criminology, and law. It will host an Open Day on Saturday, November 23rd , 2024, from 10:00 – 15:00.
