University to install new chancellor at summer graduations − with honorary degree for Kirsty Wark and others

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE will be officially installed as Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University this week as part of the institution’s summer graduation programme – which will also see BBC journalist Kirsty Wark receive an honorary degree.

Dr Imafidon, a trailblazer in business, mathematics and technology, replaces Dr Annie Lennox OBE who stepped down last year. As Chancellor, Dr Imafidon will carry out formal duties, confer degrees on students, and promote the University’s ambitions and vision.

By 10 years old she had already passed two GCSES − Maths and Computing, became the youngest girl to pass A-level computing at 11, and earned a Master’s from Oxford at 20. Accoladed as Young IT Professional of the Year (2013), she received an MBE in 2017 for services to women in STEM. As Stemettes co-founder, she has inspired more than 60,000 youths across UK/Europe into STEM roles. Deemed most influential UK woman in tech (2020), she advances women in technology.

Honoured to represent Glasgow Caledonian’s common good focus, Dr Imafidon aims to champion transformational education and impactful research. She said: “To be welcomed to an institution that stands for the Common Good is one of the greatest honours of my life. I’ve always loved spending time in Glasgow − and look forward to representing Glasgow Caledonian University as it enters a new era. Here’s to the Common Good and to being an ambassador for great ambitions, transformational education and high impact research.”

The ceremonies will take place from Tuesday, July 2 to Thursday July 3, with the Chancellor being installed on July 2.

The University will also confer four honorary degrees during the three days of ceremonies – Kirsty Wark, Annemarie O’Donnell OBE, Zara Mohammed and Abi Daré.

Kirsty Wark will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. An award-winning broadcaster and writer, Kirsty is the longest-serving presenter of the BBC’s Newsnight programme, spanning three decades. She has interviewed countless politicians and cultural figures, and her outstanding contribution to journalism and broadcasting has been recognised with numerous awards, including BAFTA’s Journalist of the Year and an Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting award from BAFTA Scotland.

Annemarie O’Donnell OBE will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University. Formerly Glasgow City Council’s top official, Annemarie served the city for over 30 years, including nearly a decade as Chief Executive. She focused on inclusive economic growth and regeneration programmes, working closely with partners across sectors. In 2022, she was awarded an OBE for services to local government.

Zara Mohammed will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws. As the first woman and first Scot to lead the Muslim Council of Britain, Zara, aged 29, is the youngest person to hold the Secretary-General role. A Strathclyde University graduate, she is passionate about creating an inclusive and representative Muslim Council and empowering young people and women in her community.

Abi Daré will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. A Glasgow Caledonian University alumna, Abi is a New York Times bestselling author whose debut novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice, explores gender, poverty, and barriers to education for Nigerian women. The novel has won several awards and is taught globally. Abi created a foundation in Nigeria offering scholarships to support young girls in rural areas.