Honorary Graduates

Clint is one of the UK's most influential creative voices and a leading actor, writer and director. A graduate of East 15 Acting School, he has enjoyed an acclaimed career spanning theatre, film and television, becoming the first Black artist to write, direct and perform at the National Theatre and the first Black director to direct Othello there. His work has expanded opportunities in British theatre, championed inclusion and inspired a new generation of storytellers.

A pioneering sports leader, Beth has played a transformative role in the growth of women's cricket. As Director of Women's Professional Game at the England and Wales Cricket Board, she has helped drive the professionalisation of the sport, launch major competitions including The Hundred, and oversee record-breaking international tournaments. Her leadership has opened doors for future generations of female athletes and helped make professional cricket a realistic ambition for girls across the country.

Andrew is Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of TestCard, a pioneering healthcare company developing technology that enables people to carry out accurate diagnostic testing using everyday smart devices. An Essex graduate, his work is helping transform access to healthcare while empowering people to take greater control of their health. Alongside his scientific achievements, he is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, drawing on his own experiences of dyslexia and autism to challenge perceptions and promote inclusion.

An Essex alumna and scientific research leader, Dr Lesley Thompson spent more than 25 years at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, helping shape major UK research investment and supporting generations of scientists, engineers and innovators. She championed interdisciplinary research, doctoral training and greater diversity within the research community. Today, through her work with Elsevier and the Open Science movement, she continues to support collaboration and innovation across higher education and research.

Natia is an international humanitarian leader whose work has improved the lives of millions of people around the world. An Essex Economics graduate, she rose from volunteering with the Georgia Red Cross to become one of the youngest presidents of a national Red Cross society and now serves as Vice President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Alongside her humanitarian work, she is also a successful fintech entrepreneur committed to innovation and social impact.

A leading business figure in Hong Kong, Patrick is Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice Chairman of FSE Lifestyle Services, overseeing a major services group employing more than 25,000 people. An Essex graduate in Accounting, Finance and Economics, he has been recognised internationally for strengthening trade and cultural links between Hong Kong and France. A dedicated supporter of the University, he helped establish the Hong Kong Task Force and has championed scholarship opportunities for Essex students.

Professor Rida Al Tubuly is an internationally respected academic, peacebuilder and human rights advocate. Originally a Professor of Pharmacology, she became one of Libya's leading voices for women's rights and democratic participation after co-founding Together We Build It, an organisation supporting peacebuilding and civic engagement. An Essex alumna, she has advised international bodies including the United Nations and was named among the BBC's 100 Women in recognition of her work promoting peace, equality and opportunity in conflict-affected communities.