The Ashton Award, named after Baroness Catherine Ashton, the University’s first female Chancellor and a global advocate for diplomacy and justice, celebrates the power of collective alumni action to bring about meaningful change.
This first group of recipients were selected for their critical role in driving the dramatic political and social transformation of Namibia, following its independence - a movement rooted in strong values and convictions, and deeply empowered by their Warwick educational experience. The presentation took place at a special event in Namibia at the beginning of May, marking a milestone in Warwick’s long-standing relationship with Africa and its gobal mission.
A further celebration was held in honour of Warwick’s current Chancellor, Advocate Bience Gawanas, following her formal installation at the University’s January graduation ceremonies. Held in her home country, at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the event paid tribute to her remarkable career in law, human rights, public health, and international diplomacy, and her role in shaping Warwick’s future.
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chancellor of the University of Warwick Advocate Bience Gawanas, accepted the award on behalf of the alumni group.
She shared: "We were just students, fighting for Namibia’s independence. None of us stayed abroad, we all came back, joined the public service, and served our country, some until retirement. Looking back, we never imagined we’d one day celebrate like this, in an independent Namibia.
"This honour marks the height of our collective achievements as students and freedom fighters. As Warwick alumni, we are deeply proud and profoundly honoured."
The events were positioned as a key moment in the University’s Africa Strategy, delivered by the Warwick Africa Hub, reinforcing Warwick’s commitment to developing deep, strategic relationships across the African continent and reaffirming its place as a truly global university.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, said: "We’ve always honoured individuals for their contributions with honorary degrees, but it’s often teams, communities, and groups who together drive transformative change. The Ashton Award recognises those collective efforts and brings together a group of alumni who have made a fantastic difference.
"Warwick has always thrived from our diverse and inclusive global community of students, staff and alumni. In the late 70s and 80s, we welcomed Namibian refugees, people who were stateless and homeless, and supported them to help them become the people they were destined to be.
"Today, we continue this work and hold the honour of being a University of Sanctuary and remain committed to asylum seekers and refugees being able to access higher education. The spirit of outreach has always been part of our DNA and it’s a great way of marking this occasion in our 60 anniversary year".
These events demonstrate the Warwick Africa Hub’s dedication to building equitable partnerships through the exchange of knowledge, collaborative research, and inclusive education. Africa is undergoing a remarkable period of economic and social transformation, with higher education playing a key role. By deepening our understanding of our partners’ priorities and development needs, the Warwick Africa Hub is fostering collaborations based on principles of mutually beneficial engagement.
For more information about these initiatives or to explore study and research opportunities with Warwick, please visit the Warwick Africa Hub website.
ENDS
Bience Gawanas, LLB Law 1983-1986
Bonifatius Paulino, MA Comparative Labour Studies 1988-1989
Dr Albert Kawana, LLB Law 1980-1983, LLM Law in Development 1983-1985, PhD Law 1984-1988
Fritz Nghiishililwa, LLB Law 1988-1992; LLM Law in Development 1994-1995
Hezekiah (Laitago) Awaseb, LLB Law 1982-1985, LLM Law in Development 1985-1987
Issaskar VirongoNdjoze, LLB Law 1982-1985; LLM Law in Development 1985-1987
Jackson Kuutondokwa, LLB Law 1988-1992
Jogbeth Karuuombe, BA Sociology with Social Policy 1981-1984
Lidwina Shapwa, LLB Law 1987-1991
Loide Lungameni, LLB Law 1985-1988
Mabebo Matongo, PG Diploma English Language Teaching and Administration 1987-1988
Nicodemus Katsimine, LLB Law 1988-1992
Olyvia (Martha) Imalwa (was Ekandjo), LLB Law 1985-1988
Patricia Nakanyala, LLBLaw1987 -1991
Paulo Shipoke, BA Economics 1982 -1985
Petrus Damaseb, LLBLaw 1985-1988
Professor Peter Katjavivi, MA Sociology 1979-1981
Riundja Ali (Othy) Kaakunga, LLB 1984 -1986 (partially completed), LLB Law 1990 -1991, LLM in International Economic Law 1991-1992
SaulKahuika, BA Economics with International Studies 1981-1984
Stefanus Motinga, BA Economics 1981-1984
Utoni Nujoma, LLB Law 1988-1991
Willem Goeiemann, BA Economics 1982-1985
About the Warwick Africa Hub
The Warwick Africa Hub was established in 2022 to focus on advancing new research ideas unconstrained by disciplinary boundaries and innovative education initiatives. Our ambition is for collaborations that extend beyond universities.
We have strong cross-cultural relationships with individuals and institutions across sub-Saharan Africa. Our new collaborations are driving global change.