The University of Law (ULaw) has awarded Honorary Doctorates to prominent diversity campaigner Dr Miranda Brawn, who founded The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation, hugely successful actor and philanthropist Shah Rukh Khan and leading QC, Guy Beringer CBE, Chairman of The Legal Education Foundation.
The three honourees received the doctorates during a graduation ceremony for more than 350 students held at the Barbican in London.
Dr Miranda Brawn
Multi award-winning Dr Miranda Brawn is recognised as a leading, global executive and business leader with significant expertise across the finance industry. She is the Founder and CEO of The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organisation which aims to help black, Asian and minority ethnics (BAME) with potential and aspirations as future leaders, while striving to increase diversity and equality in the UK.
Miranda has been named as one of the UK’s leading diversity champions by Prime Minister Theresa May MP, and had won personal praise from HRH The Prince of Wales. She has been honoured numerous times and featured as one of the most influential persons by various annual power lists such as ‘Top 100 Women in European Finance’, ‘Most powerful women in London’, and ‘Top 10 females changing Britain’.
Commenting on the Honorary Doctorate, Miranda Brawn said: “I am very honoured and feel deeply privileged to receive the Honorary Doctorate of Laws for my services to diversity, charity and law. Today is a special day for celebrating my trailblazing achievements not only for me but my loved ones. Everyone receiving a degree has achieved something quite profound and this accomplishment is of major significance.”
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan (SRK), is a successful Indian actor, film producer, television personality and philanthropist who has appeared in more than 80 Bollywood films and earned numerous accolades. The Bollywood superstar is also the proud co-owner of several cricket franchises across India, South Africa and the Caribbean.
Beyond his film, television and business achievements, SRK has won praise for championing human rights, access to justice and crime prevention in India. This work saw SRK become the brand ambassador for India’s government campaigns, including Pulse Polio and National Aids Control Organisation, as well as working closely with several charitable foundations including the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Meer Foundation.
Shah Rukh Khan said: “I believe that charity should be done in silence and with dignity. One cannot speak about their charitable acts because it loses its purpose. I have been privileged to be able to use my status as a public personality to champion causes close to my heart. I actively participate with the causes of women empowerment, rehabilitation of the underprivileged and basic human rights. I firmly believe that I have to give back to the world that has given me so much. I am humbled with this Honorary Doctorate bestowed upon me and would like to thank everyone involved for choosing me.”
Guy Beringer CBE
Guy Beringer CBE, QC, was instrumental in starting The Legal Education Foundation and has been its Chair since its creation. The aim of the foundation is to promote the advancement of legal education and the study of law in all its branches.
Guy is also Chair of the Temple Music Foundation and Chair of City Music Services. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Imperial College Business School, Co-Chair of the Bingham Centre Appeal Board and is a trustee of the National Pro Bono Centre. He also co-founded and is a Director of BCKR Limited. Guy received a CBE in the 2017 New Year's Honours list for services to export finance and pro bono work in the legal sector.
Guy Beringer said: “The law is central to social welfare and to civil society. It is also at the heart of business and international trade. I have been fortunate to have been able to pursue careers in private practice, business, civil society and the public sector because of my training in the law. This is an exciting time to be embarking on a legal career and I am honoured, as an alumnus of The University of Law, to be amongst those who have those opportunities ahead of them.”
Professor Andrea Nollent, Vice-Chancellor and CEO, said: “It is our privilege to award Honorary Doctorates to Miranda Brawn, Shah Rukh Khan and Guy Beringer in recognition of their contributions to championing human rights, promoting diversity and leading the legal industry. They are all outstanding and inspiring campaigners and role models to our graduates.”