News and Events

Founding Chancellor awarded Honorary Doctorate

8 November 2011

Baroness Cox made an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Bournemouth University.

Baroness Cox of Queensbury, Founding Chancellor of Bournemouth University (BU) and life- long humanitarian campaigner has been made an Honorary Doctor of Laws by BU.

University Orator Alan Hunt welcomed back Lady Cox to BU, describing her as ‘one of the greatest humanitarians of our time.’ She expressed her thanks and delight at receiving the Honorary Doctorate at the Bournemouth International Centre and pride of sharing the day with the graduates of the School of Health and Social Care.

Baroness Cox said: “What a great privilege to be associated with this splendid University since its inception.

“Today is a day of great and well earned celebration. This is the beginning of a new phase of life and I wish each and every one of you great happiness as you continue to have the courage to learn”

As a Nurse, Social Scientist and Cross Bench Member of the House of Lords, Baroness Cox has dedicated most of her life to helping others, admitting she spends over half of her time in a Jungle, Bush or Desert. Lady Cox is also Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University , Founder and Chief Executive of the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART), which works to provide lasting change through aid and advocacy for those who are, or have suffering oppression and persecution, focusing on those off the radar of large aid organisations.

“I never underestimate the privilege of being able to speak in one of the houses of the British Parliament, and I especially cherish the opportunity to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Whether as a Nurse, or a Social Scientist, or on behalf of some of the more vulnerable people in our own society, but increasingly on behalf of forgotten people, in forgotten lands.

I always return from visiting these people on the front line of freedom inspired by their courage, their resourcefulness and their dignity.”