Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “Our graduation ceremonies are a celebration of ambition, resilience and achievement. Every one of our students has overcome challenges to earn their place here, and we are proud to celebrate them.
“We also take this opportunity to honour those whose work already exemplifies the change-making spirit we foster in our graduates. Jaz Ampaw-Farr, Dean Windass and Alan Raw are being recognised not only for what they have achieved, but for how they inspire others through bold leadership, deep compassion and unwavering determination.”
Dean Windass – Hull City legend and community champion
A name etched into Hull City’s history books, Dean Windass secured the club’s historic promotion to the Premier League with his unforgettable winning goal at Wembley in 2008. Across a two-decade career and 700 professional appearances, Windass became known not just for his performance on the pitch but for his courage off it, speaking publicly about mental health and supporting campaigns around dementia in football. His story is one of resilience, loyalty, and enduring community pride.
He said: “To get this is a huge honour. I’m an emotional person anyway, and I know my family and friends will be there to watch me pick up the award, so I’m sure there’ll be a few tears.”
Jaz Ampaw-Farr – University of Hull Alumna, Positive Disruptor and Global Motivational Speaker
A self-styled ‘positive disruptor,’ Jaz Ampaw-Farr is a globally renowned motivational speaker whose life story has inspired audiences worldwide. Raised in challenging circumstances, she took on parenting responsibilities for her younger siblings from the age of 11. Today, she empowers others to reframe their own stories, transform limiting beliefs, and lead meaningful change at work and in life. Her trailblazing work in education, leadership and human potential has led her to the TEDx stage and into boardrooms, schools and global conferences.
She said: “Hull gave me a home when I didn’t have a home. I came out of foster care and had nowhere to go in the holidays, but I had a community here. So, it feels like your mum’s proud of you, that’s what this feels like.”
Alan Raw – broadcaster and eco-futurist
With a career spanning broadcasting, sustainability, and social enterprise, Alan Raw uses creativity as a tool for climate awareness and cultural engagement. A long-time BBC presenter and documentary maker, he has helped deliver major public events including Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Children in Need. As a self-described “eco-futurist,” he champions hopeful, sustainable futures through his storytelling, his company Pan Galactic, and the Creative & Cultural Organisation, a community-focused initiative addressing climate resilience through the arts.
He said: “To be recognised by an institution like the University of Hull is incredibly humbling, it feels like being seen for my values, rather than the outcomes, and for that I’m very grateful.”