University of Portsmouth celebrates inspirational figures with Honorary Doctorates at 2025 graduation

2025 Honorary Doctorate Recipients

Sabrina Dhowre Elba - Philanthropist and global advocate

Sabrina, a UN Goodwill Ambassador for IFAD, champions gender equality and women's empowerment globally, co-founding inclusive skincare brand S'ABLE Labs and serving on boards for Conservation International and Global Citizen.

Sabrina Dhowre Elba said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the University of Portsmouth. As someone passionate about community, creativity, and equity, it means so much to be acknowledged not just for the work I do, but for the values I hold. I hope this inspires others, especially young people from underrepresented backgrounds to keep going, keep growing, and know that their voice matters.”

Alice Hendy MBE - Suicide Prevention Campaigner

Following the tragic loss of her brother Josh in 2020, cybersecurity expert Alice Hendy transformed her grief into life-saving action. She founded R;pple, a pioneering digital intervention tool that intercepts harmful online searches and connects vulnerable individuals with mental health resources. With millions of downloads globally and over 100,000 harmful online searches intercepted, Alice's technology-driven approach to suicide prevention exemplifies how innovation can serve the greater social good.

Tim Campbell MBE - Business Leader and Social Mobility Champion

The inaugural winner of BBC's The Apprentice and current adviser to Lord Alan Sugar, Tim Campbell MBE has built a distinguished career spanning international business, financial markets, and social impact. As founder of the Bright Ideas Trust charity and chair of an outstanding London school board, Tim is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and social mobility, representing the UK Government on international trade delegations while championing diversity and financial empowerment.

Samantha Tross - Pioneering Orthopaedic Surgeon

Twenty years ago, Samantha Tross made history as the first Black woman appointed as a Consultant Hip and Knee Surgeon in the UK. Since then, she has continued to break barriers as the first woman in Europe to perform Mako robotic hip surgery and serves on the Royal College of Surgeons Council. A founding member of the British Association of Black Surgeons and Secretary of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance, Samantha's groundbreaking work extends from the operating theatre to advancing diversity and inclusion in surgical professions.

Sam Matterface - Sports Broadcaster and Community Champion

Leading sports commentator Sam Matterface, known for his work with ITV, TNT Sports, and talkSPORT, spent 11 transformative years in Portsmouth beginning his media career. As Sports Editor and Programme Director of 107.4 The Quay, he led the station to national recognition, winning the Sony Gold Award for Station of the Year in 2007. His commitment to community engagement continued throughout his career, raising over £60,000 for local Portsmouth causes and maintaining strong connections to the region.

Adeyemi (Ade) Williams MBE FRSA - Healthcare Innovation Leader

A 2002 University of Portsmouth pharmacy graduate, Ade Williams MBE has become a pioneering force in healthcare innovation. As the multi-award-winning Superintendent Pharmacist at Bedminster Pharmacy, he has advanced pharmacy prescribing and the Healthy Living Pharmacy concept while serving on national healthcare boards. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him an MBE in 2022, and his research and work spanning mental health, cancer diagnosis, and health equity have been recognised by the WHO and featured in The Lancet.

““I am incredibly humbled to receive this honour from the University of Portsmouth,” said Mr Williams. “This City, University and the IFCS Community shaped my enduring understanding that serving to preserve and enhance our vulnerable collective humanity is the essence of the NHS. This also defined for me what excellence looks like -  ensuring that no one is left behind and investing your life in doing so. Thank you again to all the members of the University community; your dedication and generosity continue to inspire and exemplify this.”

Craig Jones MBE - LGBTQ+ Rights and Veterans Advocate

A 1989 Economic History graduate from Portsmouth Polytechnic and Royal Navy veteran, Craig Jones courageously came out on the day the military's "gay ban" was lifted, subsequently leading vital work to restore the Armed Forces Covenant for the LGBTQ+ community. As first Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, he spearheaded a campaign for restorative justice that culminated in the Prime Minister's 2023 apology to LGBTQ+ veterans and announcement of substantial reparations. Craig now serves on the Government's Financial Recognition Scheme panel.

Rosemary Reed - Media Pioneer and Women's Rights Advocate

Co-founder of POW TV Studios (Power of Women), Rosemary Reed has created over 130 critically acclaimed television productions, including the groundbreaking series The Power of Women and the award-winning Driving Force hosted by Judy Murray OBE. Beyond media, she established Central London's first Domestic Violence One-Stop Centre in the 1990s and continues her advocacy as a Refuge Ambassador. Her environmental work includes serving as a trustee of The Jane Goodall Institute UK, where she has pioneered VR educational initiatives reaching over 150 schools.