England rugby star Ellie Kildunne MBE and renowned political correspondent Steve Rosenberg are among those recognised with honorary degrees by the University of Leeds.
Social change campaigner Tina Leslie MBE also received an honorary degree, and Leeds alum Rachel Lord returned to the University to receive her award.
Peter and Susan Cheney, who have contributed generously over the years to advancing research excellence at the University, and former Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson CBE were also named as honorary graduates.
The ceremonies took place this week in the University’s Grade II-listed Great Hall, as thousands of students also celebrated their graduations.
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: "The graduation ceremonies are a personal highlight of the academic year, and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the wonderful achievements of so many.
"Our honorary graduands are not only examples of achieving excellence in their fields, but they also illustrate the importance of collaboration, and the power of ideas.”
Ellie Kildunne MBE – Doctor of Laws
Ellie Kildunne is an international rugby union player from Keighley, West Yorkshire, whose early development through Keighley Albion, Keighley RUFC, and the wider Yorkshire pathway established her as one of the region’s standout sporting talents. Her world-class performances and authentic leadership have transformed the visibility and ambition of Women’s Rugby.
Ellie’s accolades illustrate her impact in the sport: in the 2024 Six Nations she was voted Player of the Championship, while in 2024 she was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year. She was the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award runner up after her decisive role in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and was awarded an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours.
Ellie uses her platform to inspire the next generation, challenge stereotypes and advocate for women’s sport, speaking out about pressure, resilience and supporting others - demonstrating care for people behind the performance.
Speaking after receiving her award, Ellie described it as a “huge honour”, saying: “I feel like I’m talking about someone else because I’m still pinching myself that I’ve got these opportunities. I guess it shows where women’s rugby has got to now, that we are recognised for honours like this, and it’s something I’m hugely proud of.”
Advising students on their path after graduation, Ellie said: “Keep that fire in your belly. Sometimes you might be clouded by the smoke and not really know what it’s there for, but passion and drive is a hugely important trait.
“Accept that life is going to have its challenges, expect that it’s not going to be a straight road, have no expectations but have high hopes and it might take you to places you never thought were possible – and that’s exactly what I did.”
She admitted she was surprised to hear about her honorary degree, saying: “When I first received the email from the University of Leeds I was like, have I been at the Uni and used the Wi-Fi for something, is that what this is?
“But when I read it, I was so proud to be a representation of a Yorkshire woman. It’s huge to show that there are role models out there. I don’t necessarily want to be a role model for rugby, I want to be a role model for going for something that you believe in.”
Peter and Susan Cheney - Doctors of Science
Peter Cheney is a University of Leeds alum, graduating in 1969 with a degree in Bacteriology and Biochemistry.
The couple donated one of the largest gifts in the University’s history to establish the Cheney Fellowships, which bring outstanding scholars from across the world to Leeds to undertake intensive research in areas of global importance.
In 2025, the Cheneys funded and officially opened the Cheney Biomedical Accelerator, a state-of-the-art facility supporting advanced bioimaging, interdisciplinary health research, and training of new scientists tackling diseases including cancer, heart disease, and antibiotic resistance - issues of profound global significance.
Peter said: “The recognition that the University is giving us is very, very special. We didn't think we’d done anything special to get an award like this, and because it’s unexpected, it’s all the more meaningful."
He reflected on developments in scientific research when he enrolled at Leeds in 1965, saying: “DNA was a big thing, and sequencing was in its infancy - it took months if not years to do it. Genetics, its role in medicine and just basic physiology - it was still at the early days of understanding it compared to where we are today, and I found that fascinating.
“I don't give advice anymore, but I think the main thing is to use your education and make the most of the opportunities it gives you.”
Steve Rosenberg - Doctor of Laws
During his time studying for a BA (Hons) at the School of Languages at the University of Leeds, Steve Rosenberg fell in love with the Russian language and the country, and decided he wanted to move there after graduating in 1991.
In 1997, he landed a job with the BBC, where he was named Russia Editor in 2022. His journalistic work in the country has earned him widespread respect and praise, particularly for conducting challenging interviews with leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Aleksandr Lukashenko, and holding authorities to account.
Steve is also an accomplished pianist, well known in the field of piano performance, and has a loyal following for his musical tributes and interpretations associated with a wide range of figures and works of popular culture.
Speaking on his return to Leeds, Steve said: “It means a great deal to be back in Leeds. This university gave me so much academically and in terms of opportunities. I've had lots of adventures over the last four decades, but it all began here, the University of Leeds.
“It gave me a great education and I'm using it in my life, in my work, and that's very satisfying.”
“I was bowled over when I first got the email. It's a great honour to be awarded an honorary degree. I’ve been looking forward to this moment, coming back to Leeds, the place where I spent so long, and so many happy memories.”
Tina Leslie MBE - Doctor of Laws
Tina Leslie MBE is a passionate advocate for social change and community wellbeing, and dedicates her life to making a difference to disadvantaged communities. Born and raised in Leeds, Tina has a passion for improving the lives of those in the city, and was a Public Health Practitioner at Leeds City Council for 17 years, working in the most deprived areas of the city to tackle health inequalities.
In 2016, Tina founded charity Freedom4Girls which has been instrumental in tackling period poverty in Leeds, the UK and internationally. The charity provides sanitary products, education, and support to thousands of individuals each year, including marginalised groups, people seeking asylum, experiencing homelessness, and disabled people. Her work to raise awareness of national and global period poverty, and encouraging policymakers to take meaningful action, was recognised with an MBE in 2023.
She has worked collaboratively with the University of Leeds, in particular supporting the Lifelong Learning Centre and their work to increase access to Higher Education. Through her support, advocacy and encouragement, Tina has been instrumental in bringing numerous mature students from diverse backgrounds to study at the University of Leeds.
Tina said: “If I’d have known a few years ago that this was going to happen to me, a girl from Leeds, coming to the University of Leeds and getting a doctorate, I would have been saying ‘what is happening’? To be honoured with something from my own hometown has really been one of those ‘pinch me’ moments in my life.
“For the students who have got their degrees today, I applaud them. They’ve gone through this journey of being a child to growing up and going into the world and making their own pathways. Hopefully they will choose their path and make a difference, but always come back and think, this is where I started.”
Ed Anderson CBE - Doctor of Laws
Ed Anderson’s career as a public servant and business leader spans local government, aviation, finance and civic life, and he has helped to shape the city of Leeds and the local region in his many leadership positions. His contribution to public life is prominently marked by his role as Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire from 2018 – 2025.
He served as Chief Executive for Leeds Bradford Airport, during which he was instrumental in attracting Jet2 to establish its first base at the airport. He chaired the Yorkshire Building Society and later became Chair of National Savings & Investments, as well as Chair of the Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust and Leeds Trinity University.
Ed has strong ties to the University of Leeds, serving on its Council for 15 years, reflecting his strong commitment to higher education and regional development. In recognition of his extensive service, he was awarded a CBE for contributions to the financial sector and public life in Yorkshire.
Ed said: “I first came to the University of Leeds Council in 2007 and I can honestly say that every time I came onto campus, seeing the students going about their business gave me a real buzz. I had exactly that same feeling of excitement on their behalf today. This is the culmination of everything for them, and I feel very joyful on their behalf.
“I’d advise graduates for their future: appreciate the people who help you, be adventurous if you can be, take opportunities when they arise and if you can, do something to try and help make the world a better place.”
Rachel Lord - Doctor of Laws
A graduate of the University of Leeds, Rachel Lord stands out in her work to drive equality and opportunity in her industry.
Rachel is a Senior Managing Director and the Head of International at BlackRock, leading more than 15,000 employees in 45 offices, who manage close to $5 trillion of assets for clients across 75 countries. She has brought in ground-breaking policies on supporting surrogacy, IVF, egg freezing, adoption assistance and menopause support. She works with government on gender issues, lectures widely in the industry, and was a founder signatory to the women in finance charter, and advocates for public policies that are in investors’ long-term financial interests.
As a first generation to university student, she believes passionately in improving the lives of others through education. She sponsors the Big City, Bright Future (BCBF) programme co-created by BlackRock and IntoUniversity, which enables 120 students annually, drawn from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to undertake paid internships with a range of city firms between school and university. This programme raises the chances of these students to get internships while at university, and to consider careers that may otherwise have felt unavailable to them.
Rachel joined the asset management industry in 2013 after a successful career in investment banking, and drove the growth of ETFs in Europe, powered by a belief that investing should be transparent, fair and accessible to all. The European ETF industry has grown ten-fold since then, largely driven by her efforts.
Rachel, who graduated in 1987 from the University of Leeds with a BA (Hons) First Class in International History & Politics, remains connected to the city of Leeds and is the founder patron of Trust Leeds, which brings a creative and innovative microfinance product for people facing poverty and financial exclusion.
Rachel said: “I am deeply grateful and humbled to receive this honorary degree from the University of Leeds. My time at Leeds gave me confidence, curiosity, and a belief that I could try anything. So much of what I have been fortunate enough to achieve both professionally and personally since is owed to my experience here.
“I hope today’s graduates leave Leeds with that same sense of possibility, and with the ambition to use their talents to make a difference in the world.”
Further information
Images credit: Jonathan Turner
For further information, please contact Becky Pascoe in the University of Leeds Press Office on r.pascoe@leeds.ac.uk