A disability rights campaigner, a champion of life-long learning, and a musician who is diversifying the world of classical music, all received honorary degrees from The Open University in ceremonies at the Barbican Centre.
Over four thousand guests and 1,200 graduates gathered in the Grade II listed building in the City of London for four ceremonies over two days on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September.
Outstanding people, exceptional contribution
The OU awards honorary degrees to society’s most outstanding people – particularly those whose work or achievements reflect the university’s values. The three individuals who were bestowed honours at the Barbican were all worthy recipients.
Ruth Spellman, OBE
Mrs Ruth Spellman received her award from Dr Liz Marr, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Students). Ruth is a champion of life-long learning who has devoted her career to improving education for adults in the workplace.
Raised in Pontypool, she studied economics at the University of Cambridge. She has held high-ranking posts at the National Economic Development Office and accountancy firm Coopers & Lybrand, one of the forerunners of PwC.
In 2012, Ruth became the first female chief executive officer and general secretary of the Workers’ Educational Association. She was awarded an OBE for services to workplace learning and has received a lifetime achievement award in further education from the Times Educational Supplement.
Richard Rieser, who received his award from OU Chancellor Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, is a teacher and activist who has campaigned tirelessly for the rights of disabled people, especially in education.
He has devoted his life to transforming education for students and teachers with disabilities. Through his focus on human rights, and his emphasis on inclusion rather than integration, he has proved himself a powerful advocate and a much-needed champion of students and teachers with disabilities. Richard has recently been recognised with an OBE.
Chi-chi Nwanoku was given her award by Pro-Chancellor Mr Malcolm Sweeting. She is an outstanding musician and visionary leader whose commitment to diversifying classical music is transforming the industry.
Born in London, Chi-chi spent her early years in Nigeria before returning to live in the UK. Alongside learning the piano as a child, she was a promising sprinter before a knee injury put paid to her athletic ambitions. She then took up the double bass and, after only two years of study, gained entry to the Royal Academy of Music.
In 2015, she established the Chineke! Foundation, which aims to increase the representation and participation of Black and ethnically diverse people in classical music. The Chineke! orchestra is the first in Europe in which a majority of musicians are people of colour.
One of the most important figures in the nation’s musical life, Chi-chi is the recipient of an MBE and an OBE, and was appointed CBE in this year’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee birthday honours list.
