Newnham alumnae shape the world in every field – and we’re delighted to learn that no fewer than four of our alumnae have been named as Dames in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2018.
Our very own Classics supervisor and Fellow, Prof Mary Beard (NC 1973) has been honoured as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the study of Classical Civilisation. Read more about Mary’s work.
Economist, civil servant and tireless champion of gender equality and LGBT rights, Sue Owen (NC 1973), has been has been honoured as Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath for public service. Sue is an alumna and Honorary Fellow of Newnham College. Sue was formerly President of the Newnham Associates and founder of the ‘Newnham in Whitehall’ group. Sue shared some of her experiences with Newnham Associates at the ‘Women of the Year’ 60th anniversary event.
“Newnham alumnae have shaped the world in every field, from the arts to public service”
Emma Thompson (NC 1978) needs no introduction, especially for those students who heard her speak on her recent return to the College (and if you missed it, you can watch the speech online). Emma – the only person in history to have won an Oscar both for writing and for acting – has been honoured as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to Drama.
Stella Manzie (NC 1979) has been honoured for her services to Local Government. The Interim Chief Executive 2017/18 at Birmingham City Council, Stella is known for her outstanding track record of transformational public service at the senior level in local government, and in some particularly challenging areas. As Managing Director Commissioner at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, she used her exceptional leadership skills to begin turning around the performance of the Council in the light of the child sex abuse crisis, tackling significant cultural and governance issues.
Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College says, “Newnham alumnae have shaped the world in every field, from the arts to public service. We are tremendously proud of the alumnae whose outstanding work has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List today.”
Prof Mary Beard receives the honour of becoming a Lego Classicist from archivist Liam D Jensen
Dame Emma Thompson with Dr Jean Gooder, her supervisor and Director of Studies
Dame Emma Thompson with Newnham students
Prof Mary Beard
Prof Mary Beard with her supervisors Prof Pat Easterling (right) and Joyce Reynolds (centre)
Dame Sue Owen at the inaugural Women in Public Service event at Newnham College
Dame Sue Owen at the inaugural Women in Public Service event at Newnham College