On the announcement of The King’s Birthday Honours in June and New Year Honours in January, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the fantastic achievements of the alumni, staff, students and friends who have been honoured.
Amongst those honoured in June 2025 were alumna and author Dame Pat Barker, for her contribution to the world of literature, alumna Mariella Marzano, a social scientist in forest research, and alumnus and former school principal, Melvyn Roffe.
At New Year, alumna and broadcaster Gabby Logan was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity. Gabby studied Law at Durham and remains a committed supporter of the University, particularly the College of St Hild & St Bede. Her connection with Durham was recognised when she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in 2015.
In June 2026, those honoured included two honorary graduates: David Sproxton CBE, co-founder and trustee of the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit, who was awarded a knighthood, and alumna Yasmin Akhtar Khan, who received a CBE for her services to ending domestic abuse and violence against women.
For the full lists:
The King’s Birthday Honours 2025 – Durham University
The New Year Honours 2026 – Durham University
The King’s Birthday Honours 2026 – Durham University
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