• Aston University has conferred honorary degrees on 12 individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields
• The honorary doctorates were presented during the University’s 18 2025 summer graduation ceremonies held from 15-22 July
• Honorary graduates represent Aston University’s values of ambition, collaboration, inclusion, innovation and integrity.

Aston University awarded honorary degrees to 12 remarkable individuals who were recognised for their transformative contributions across diverse fields, including business, healthcare, technology, engineering, and social impact.

They were honoured during Aston’s summer graduation, during which around 4,000 graduates formally received their degrees in 18 ceremonies held over six days from 15-22 July 2025.

The 2025 honorary graduates are: -

• Rajeev Ranjan Vederah, a global business leader and Chancellor of Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, received a Doctorate of Science.
• Stephen Goldstein CBE DL, a chartered surveyor who was pivotal to the redevelopment of the Jewellery Quarter and is the founder of a charity for special needs children, was awarded a Doctorate of Business Administration.
• Yiannis Maos MBE, founder of Birmingham Tech Week, received a Doctorate of Business Administration for his efforts in establishing the West Midlands as the UK’s fastest-growing tech sector.
• Dawn Bonfield MBE FREng, president of the Commonwealth Engineers’ Council, UK representative of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations, a champion of inclusive engineering and founder of International Women in Engineering Day, was honoured with a Doctorate of Science.
• Tim Pile, chair of The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, who has been a leader in multiple sectors, received a Doctorate of Business Administration.
• Frans Johansson, acclaimed author of The Medici Effect and CEO of Medici Next, was awarded a Doctorate of Business Administration for his influential work in innovation strategy.
• Sir David Nicholson, chair of all four Black Country NHS trusts, was honoured with a Doctorate of Science for his 40-year contribution to healthcare.
• Carol Burke CBE, managing director at Unipart, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and advocate for UK manufacturing, received a Doctorate of Science.
• Gareth Wilson, global banking leader at Capgemini and Aston alumnus, was awarded a Doctorate of Business Administration for his expertise in financial services transformation.
• Gian Power OBE, founder of TLC Lions, received a Doctorate of Business Administration for his work to create more human, emotionally intelligent and connected workplaces.
• Shellyza Sajwani, oncology pharmacist, national co-chair of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy for the Environment and climate change advocate, was honoured with a Doctorate of Science for her contributions to sustainable pharmacy practices.
• Matthew Boazman, NHS leader and advocate for children’s health, received a Doctorate of Science for his dedication to healthcare innovation.

These honorary degrees reflect Aston University’s commitment to celebrating individuals who embody its values of ambition, collaboration, inclusion, innovation and integrity.

Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:

“At Aston University, we celebrate exceptional individuals who drive innovation, create meaningful change, and inspire others through their leadership and vision. These honorary graduates exemplify the values we strive to inspire in our students, and we are proud to recognise their outstanding contributions to professions, businesses, and society.”

Visit www.aston.ac.uk/current-students/graduation/aston-university-honorary-graduates to read more about Aston University’s 2025 honorary graduates.