First in person Graduation in two years celebrates professionals who have excelled in Law, Business, Health and Creative industries
05/07/2022
MDX recognises outstanding achievements in individuals across professions with Honorary Degrees during Graduation 2022
Today marks the start of two weeks of graduation ceremonies for Middlesex University students, the first in-person events since 2019 due to the pandemic.
While Graduation is the pinnacle of a student’s journey at MDX, the University also has the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements and successes of both alumni and other outstanding individuals who are making a difference to society.
This year MDX is awarding Honorary Degrees to individuals who have excelled in the fields of Law, Business, Health and Creative Industries.
Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Beech said: “This is a chance to celebrate everything that is great about Middlesex and reflect on the resilience that we have shown to get through the challenges of the pandemic. Every student graduating this week has been pushed out of their comfort zones and has had to adapt to new ways of learning - congratulations to every one of you.
“Graduation also provides the opportunity to recognise and welcome the outstanding individuals who contribute to their professions, society and to Middlesex. I am so pleased to have the chance to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Honorary Doctorates. I hope that they will continue to build upon the relationship that they already have with us to create lasting partnerships as we move forward towards our strategic goals.”
The scheduled programme is as follows:
MONDAY 4 JULY
The celebrations begin with alumnus Christopher Raeburn receiving his Award.
Christopher is a pioneer of sustainability in fashion design and since graduating from
London’s prestigious Royal College of Art, his pioneering work has brought responsible design to a global audience and presents a new definition of luxury with integrity.
Christopher studied BA Fashion Design at MDX from 2001 to 2004 and has previously said that it was his time as an MDX student that paved the way for RÆMADE. Founded in 2009, the company focussed on a concept called Remade in England - taking original artefacts like parachutes, silk maps and blankets and making them into new, contemporary and wearable items.
Surplus fabrics and garments are reworked to create innovative and functional pieces.
Award-winning products offer distinct utilitarian value and purpose.
The innovative approach, with an unusual balance of high concept, accessibility and wearability, is applied to menswear, womenswear, luggage and accessories.
Most recently, RÆBURN’s newly opened Marshall Street, Carnaby Store was awarded the most Sustainable Store Design in the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2022.
Speaking during the ceremony, Christopher said: "I owe much of my career to formative experiments at Middlesex university - my first Remade jacket, patchworked together from original 1950's battledress jackets, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. I still have it in the RÆBURN archive today where it forms both a proud memory and an important anchor in our regular tour programme at our studio space at the RÆBURN Lab in East London.
"When I started my company the notion of sustainability was still in its embryonic beginnings, over the last decade or so the whole narrative has changed and the biggest factor in that change has been new thinking and a new generation demanding more of brands, governments and importantly themselves. So, my message to you all as you start out on your careers is that you should never underestimate how the impact of the work you've done at Middlesex and the things you've learned over the past few years should guide you but it's also up to you to continue pushing, asking difficult questions, not taking the easy path and ultimately challenging yourself and others to make positive change.
"In the fashion industry (but I'm sure in others) the next ten years will be the defining chapter of our time - we have an opportunity to harness the best of technology and regenerative natural practices to make that positive difference but it'll be the people behind the industry that will really need to lead the way; those people are you guys today so good luck for tomorrow."
Sir Richard AlstonCBE is a highly decorated choreographer with a long association with MDX.
Sir Richard Alston with Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Beech
Educated at Eton and Croydon Art College, Sir Richard enrolled in 1967 at the newly formed London Contemporary Dance School, creating his first choreography in 1968.
Four years later he formed Strider, Britain’s first independent dance company but moved to New York in 1975 to study principally with Merce Cunningham and Alfredo Corvino.
After returning to England Sir Richard taught and choreographed independently before joining Ballet Rambert as Resident Choreographer in 1980.
Here he stayed for 12 years, becoming Artistic Director in 1986.
In 1992 Sir Richard took up the Artistic Directorship of The Place, where he ran his own company for 25 years.
When he formed Strider in 1972, Sir Richard was supported by Wendy Cook and David Henshaw who were both involved in setting up the Dance department at the University’s old Trent Park campus.
Sir Richard said: “David in particular continued to support (and question) my work right through my years at Rambert- he certainly kept me on my toes, demanding but extremely positive. I remember him with real affection.
“Years later an important and formative figure in my creative life, Robert Cohan, returned to Britain from a long sojourn in France and Anne Donnelly, who had danced for Bob over many years, reached out and offered him the opportunity to work with her students here at Middlesex.”
Robert became a visiting professor at MDX and Sir Richard recalls attending one of his lectures which was a conversation with Chris Bannerman, a long term dancer for Robert.
Sir Richard added: “A founding member of my own company Chris Tudor joined the Faculty at Middlesex and a few years ago taught brilliantly to graduating students a dance of mine, Brisk Singing. I loved the way the students did this piece- I still haven't forgotten their passionate attack.
“Anne has also been wonderfully supportive to me over a long period for which I am very grateful. All these connections certainly make me feel 'at home' and very happy to be offered a Doctorate here.”
TUESDAY 5 JULY
Caroline Paige is a retired Royal Air Force (RAF) navigator with a thirty-five-year flying career.
She flew air defence fighter aircraft during the Cold War and troop helicopters in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
In 1999, Caroline became the first openly transgender officer to serve in the British Armed Forces, winning four commendations for ‘exceptional service’ on the frontline and as a trailblazer, helping shape diversity and inclusion in the military.
Since retiring from the RAF in 2014, Caroline has championed LGBT+ inclusion in schools, universities, businesses, organisations and the media.
In 2020, Caroline won the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards’ Champion ofWomen Award.
Caroline is Joint CEO of Fighting With Pride which was launched in January 2020.
The charity is leading the health and wellbeing support of LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel and families.
She said: “I am humbled and tremendously honoured by this Award. When I was first invited by MDX LGBT+ network to speak about my lived experience and my work in diversity and inclusion, I was impressed by a university that not only celebrates diversity but was working incredibly hard to be leaders in equality and inclusion, recognising that people perform at their best when they can be themselves.
"Each time I connect with Middlesex I see that unfailing commitment grow. This Award embodies the exceptional value that MDX places on EDI.” Caroline gave the following advice to graduating students: “We are at our best when we are free and safe to be ourselves, and we are far stronger when we work at our best, together.
“As you begin the next chapter in your life, remember the values of this incredible learning institution. Be true to those values and to yourselves and you will set others free too.”
This article will be updated daily throughout the week.
First in person Graduation in two years celebrates professionals who have excelled in Law, Business, Health and Creative industries
Today marks the start of two weeks of graduation ceremonies for Middlesex University students, the first in-person events since 2019 due to the pandemic.
While Graduation is the pinnacle of a student’s journey at MDX, the University also has the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements and successes of both alumni and other outstanding individuals who are making a difference to society.
This year MDX is awarding Honorary Degrees to individuals who have excelled in the fields of Law, Business, Health and Creative Industries.
Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Beech said: “This is a chance to celebrate everything that is great about Middlesex and reflect on the resilience that we have shown to get through the challenges of the pandemic. Every student graduating this week has been pushed out of their comfort zones and has had to adapt to new ways of learning - congratulations to every one of you.
“Graduation also provides the opportunity to recognise and welcome the outstanding individuals who contribute to their professions, society and to Middlesex. I am so pleased to have the chance to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Honorary Doctorates. I hope that they will continue to build upon the relationship that they already have with us to create lasting partnerships as we move forward towards our strategic goals.”
The scheduled programme is as follows:
MONDAY 4 JULY
The celebrations begin with alumnus Christopher Raeburn receiving his Award.
Christopher is a pioneer of sustainability in fashion design and since graduating from
London’s prestigious Royal College of Art, his pioneering work has brought responsible design to a global audience and presents a new definition of luxury with integrity.
Christopher studied BA Fashion Design at MDX from 2001 to 2004 and has previously said that it was his time as an MDX student that paved the way for RÆMADE. Founded in 2009, the company focussed on a concept called Remade in England - taking original artefacts like parachutes, silk maps and blankets and making them into new, contemporary and wearable items.
Surplus fabrics and garments are reworked to create innovative and functional pieces.
Award-winning products offer distinct utilitarian value and purpose.
The innovative approach, with an unusual balance of high concept, accessibility and wearability, is applied to menswear, womenswear, luggage and accessories.
Most recently, RÆBURN’s newly opened Marshall Street, Carnaby Store was awarded the most Sustainable Store Design in the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2022.
Speaking during the ceremony, Christopher said: "I owe much of my career to formative experiments at Middlesex university - my first Remade jacket, patchworked together from original 1950's battledress jackets, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. I still have it in the RÆBURN archive today where it forms both a proud memory and an important anchor in our regular tour programme at our studio space at the RÆBURN Lab in East London.
"When I started my company the notion of sustainability was still in its embryonic beginnings, over the last decade or so the whole narrative has changed and the biggest factor in that change has been new thinking and a new generation demanding more of brands, governments and importantly themselves. So, my message to you all as you start out on your careers is that you should never underestimate how the impact of the work you've done at Middlesex and the things you've learned over the past few years should guide you but it's also up to you to continue pushing, asking difficult questions, not taking the easy path and ultimately challenging yourself and others to make positive change.
"In the fashion industry (but I'm sure in others) the next ten years will be the defining chapter of our time - we have an opportunity to harness the best of technology and regenerative natural practices to make that positive difference but it'll be the people behind the industry that will really need to lead the way; those people are you guys today so good luck for tomorrow."
Sir Richard Alston CBE is a highly decorated choreographer with a long association with MDX.
Sir Richard Alston with Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Beech
Educated at Eton and Croydon Art College, Sir Richard enrolled in 1967 at the newly formed London Contemporary Dance School, creating his first choreography in 1968.
Four years later he formed Strider, Britain’s first independent dance company but moved to New York in 1975 to study principally with Merce Cunningham and Alfredo Corvino.
After returning to England Sir Richard taught and choreographed independently before joining Ballet Rambert as Resident Choreographer in 1980.
Here he stayed for 12 years, becoming Artistic Director in 1986.
In 1992 Sir Richard took up the Artistic Directorship of The Place, where he ran his own company for 25 years.
When he formed Strider in 1972, Sir Richard was supported by Wendy Cook and David Henshaw who were both involved in setting up the Dance department at the University’s old Trent Park campus.
Sir Richard said: “David in particular continued to support (and question) my work right through my years at Rambert- he certainly kept me on my toes, demanding but extremely positive. I remember him with real affection.
“Years later an important and formative figure in my creative life, Robert Cohan, returned to Britain from a long sojourn in France and Anne Donnelly, who had danced for Bob over many years, reached out and offered him the opportunity to work with her students here at Middlesex.”
Robert became a visiting professor at MDX and Sir Richard recalls attending one of his lectures which was a conversation with Chris Bannerman, a long term dancer for Robert.
Sir Richard added: “A founding member of my own company Chris Tudor joined the Faculty at Middlesex and a few years ago taught brilliantly to graduating students a dance of mine, Brisk Singing. I loved the way the students did this piece- I still haven't forgotten their passionate attack.
“Anne has also been wonderfully supportive to me over a long period for which I am very grateful. All these connections certainly make me feel 'at home' and very happy to be offered a Doctorate here.”
TUESDAY 5 JULY
Caroline Paige is a retired Royal Air Force (RAF) navigator with a thirty-five-year flying career.
She flew air defence fighter aircraft during the Cold War and troop helicopters in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
In 1999, Caroline became the first openly transgender officer to serve in the British Armed Forces, winning four commendations for ‘exceptional service’ on the frontline and as a trailblazer, helping shape diversity and inclusion in the military.
Since retiring from the RAF in 2014, Caroline has championed LGBT+ inclusion in schools, universities, businesses, organisations and the media.
In 2020, Caroline won the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards’ Champion of Women Award.
Caroline is Joint CEO of Fighting With Pride which was launched in January 2020.
The charity is leading the health and wellbeing support of LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel and families.
She said: “I am humbled and tremendously honoured by this Award. When I was first invited by MDX LGBT+ network to speak about my lived experience and my work in diversity and inclusion, I was impressed by a university that not only celebrates diversity but was working incredibly hard to be leaders in equality and inclusion, recognising that people perform at their best when they can be themselves.
"Each time I connect with Middlesex I see that unfailing commitment grow. This Award embodies the exceptional value that MDX places on EDI.”
Caroline gave the following advice to graduating students: “We are at our best when we are free and safe to be ourselves, and we are far stronger when we work at our best, together.
“As you begin the next chapter in your life, remember the values of this incredible learning institution. Be true to those values and to yourselves and you will set others free too.”
This article will be updated daily throughout the week.
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