Leeds Trinity began awarding Honorary Fellowships in 2017 as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations to recognise excellence across areas that align with the work and values of the University.

This year, the ceremony was held at Leeds Civic Hall, reflecting the University’s ambitions to forge stronger connections and increase its contribution to the city as it prepares to open its new Leeds City Campus at 1 Trevelyan Square.

Six of the seven individuals who received Honorary Fellowships are Leeds Trinity University alumni, who continue to support and make an impact to the University and wider community.

Photographer and entrepreneur Mark Dolby (Media with Management, 2004) founded his successful business, Story Film and Photography, in 2019, which was the culmination of a career in media and freelancing. Mark worked with renowned companies such as Disney and Sony Music in previous roles and has built a strong network across Leeds through his work with Story. He is a key supporter of Leeds Trinity University, offering student placements and graduate jobs to students and alumni.

Cricketer John Goldthorp (Human Movement, 1984) has had a successful career in sport and teaching, having played for Yorkshire Cricket Association and Yorkshire 2^nd XI as a wicketkeeper. Notably, John represented England Cricket Seniors in the Caribbean Cup 2023 and now plays for Yorkshire Cricket Over-60s. John embodies sporting excellence both through his achievements and determination to help others succeed. He has played a key role in the University’s elite sport legacy, having played for and coached the Leeds Trinity football team, one of the most successful sports clubs in its history. Following a cardiac arrest in 2021, John and his family have fundraised to support local communities with defibrillators to help save more lives, after he was saved by his wife, Andrea who used a defibrillator to restart his heart.

Founding Member of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association Sharon Jandu OBE (Business Management and Public Media, 1991) is a leading name in regional business, known for her wide-reaching public work, accomplishments, and impact on the sector. The Yorkshire Asian Business Association is a key partner of Leeds Trinity University with a community of over 4,000 regional business members. Sharon is also the founder of Global Diversity Hub, a charity which supports the most vulnerable in the community to improve their lives through digital by creating employment opportunities and supporting financial independence, and the Northern Powerhouse Business & Policy Forum an independent policy and advisory Northern based think-tank that represents the voice of Ethnic Minority businesses across the North of England. In 2023, Sharon was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honour for her work in business. As a Leeds Trinity alumna, Sharon has actively supported the University through sector-wide events and expert input on the curriculum.

Award-winning broadcaster Harpreet (Harpz) Kaur (BA Media, 2011 and MA Broadcast Journalism, 2012) has most recently joined the Virgin Radio team with a late-night weekend slot. She is known for hosting a range of TV and Radio programmes for the BBC, including Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Harpz is one of the most loved faces in south-Asian culture and is highly respected by the south-Asian music scene both in the UK and internationally. She is an inspiring role model for journalism graduates and has made a real impact in terms of diversity and representation across radio, including recent campaigns such as Virgin Radio Celebrates Diwali. She was a finalist in the Asian Media Awards for Outstanding Young Journalist in 2016 and won Radio Presenter of the Year at the awards in 2019.

Chief Executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce James Mason (Broadcast Journalism, 2002) started out as a freelance broadcast journalist while running a PR business. He then spent 12 years reporting and presenting for BBC Radio Five and BBC News 24, while also running his own business. In February 2022, he was appointed Chief Executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, where he is working to champion, connect, represent and support a diverse range of businesses. James also supports people with dementia through his work with Yorkshire Memories, a dementia-friendly group in Bradford and Guiseley.

Group CEO of the British Computer Society, Rashik Parmar MBE is an established tech leader with over 35 years of experience in implementing latest innovations in computing and tech to deliver successful business outcomes. Rashik was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honour in 2016 for services to Innovation and Business. A recognised thought-leader, Rashik’s visionary leadership has not only helped organisations stay at the forefront of technological innovation, but it has also had a positive impact on society by improving efficiency, sustainability, and overall quality of life. He has been a vocal advocate for increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields and has actively worked towards creating a more inclusive and accessible technology ecosystem.

‘Queen of the podcast’ and CEO Karen Pearson (Media with Management, 1999) has had a stellar career in radio, having been awarded a Radio Academy Fellowship in 2022 for services to the industry. This is the highest accolade an individual can receive in the sector and recognises Karen’s extensive experience, which includes BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 and, since 2005, her own company, Folded Wing. Karen is also a DJ and podcaster who was named ‘Queen of the podcast’ by Time Out magazine. Through her work with Folded Wing, Karen is helping aspiring talent to break into the audio industry, notably offering placements and opportunities to young people. Karen has returned to Leeds Trinity recently as a guest speaker at Journalism and Media Week to give advice to students on a career in the industry.

All received their Honorary Fellowships from the University’s Chancellor, John Studzinski CBE, a leader in global business and renowned philanthropist.

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am delighted that Leeds Trinity has awarded Honorary Fellowships to such a range of inspirational individuals. We are very lucky that this year, a significant number of our new Honorary Fellows are alumni of Leeds Trinity, who continue to give back to support our students and our University. 

“Our alumni community has been making an impact all over the world since we first opened our doors in 1966. Members of our Honorary Fellows community – both long-standing and those being recognised this year – have all contributed to the work of the University, earned distinction in their areas of expertise and inspired our students. We are privileged to enjoy their support and look forward to continuing to grow these relationships in the future.”

Professor Catherine O’Connor, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Experience at Leeds Trinity University, said: “It gives me great pleasure to award Honorary Fellowships to these seven exceptional individuals this year. Each one has been recognised for their excellence and impact, and their connection to Leeds Trinity and our region. They provide inspiration to our students and enhance the experience we have to offer. We look forward to continuing that over the years to come.”

Leeds Trinity University holds an Honorary Fellowship ceremony to recognise the unique relationships it develops with its Honorary Fellow community, which now stands at over 40 members.

For more information about the history of Leeds Trinity University and its alumni, visit the website.