As part of the autumn 2023 graduation ceremonies, the university honoured a number of outstanding individuals who have contributed to the work of the university or have earned distinction in their fields of expertise.
Those who were recognised are listed below in alphabetical order.
A person in a yellow robe and hatDescription automatically generated
DAME ELIZABETH ANIONWU OM DBE FRCN
Nurse, author, advocate and innovator
Dame Elizabeth has dedicated her life to the health and well-being of multi-ethnic communities. Beginning her career as a school nurse assistant for the NHS, she went on to establish the first nurse-led Sickle and Thalassaemia Screening and Counselling Centre in the UK in 1979, where she also became the first nurse specialist.
A lecturer in both Child Health and Community Genetic Counselling and Professor of Nursing at the University of West London, Elizabeth founded the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice and led the Centre until her retirement. She is a Life Patron of the Mary Seacole Trust.
Elizabeth has been widely recognised for her commitment to healthcare, education and leadership. She was awarded the Royal College of Nursing Fellowship in 2004, a CBE, Order of Merit and a Damehood for her services to nursing. Elizabeth is an inspiration to nursing and midwifery students across the country, including here in Greenwich.
JASON BRISBANE
Former professional American footballer, educator, CEO of GB Wheelchair Rugby
Jason’s successful career in American football began when he represented Great Britain at youth and senior levels before joining the National Football League’s International Player Development programme. He subsequently became a linebacker in America’s NFL and enjoyed success with teams around the world.
Jason joined the University of Greenwich in 2011 to complete his PGCE, before moving into roles that enabled him to combine his experience as a professional sportsman with his commitment to education and his dedication to encourage young people to participate in sports.
As Head of Community and Grassroots Development at the NFL, one of the initiatives he introduced saw 10,000 children from across the UK participate in regional non-contact football tournaments. Jason’s ongoing commitment to building sporting communities is reflected in his work as CEO of GB Wheelchair Rugby and his role on the Global Institute of Sport’s Industry Advisory Board.
JOYCE FRASER OBE
Volunteer, teacher and community leader
Joyce Fraser, OBE, is the Founder of the Black Heroes Foundation (BHF) which works to develop cultural awareness and respect, recognition and celebration of Black Heroes. Married to Peter ‘Flip’ Fraser, who was editor of The Voice and creator of the musical ‘Black Heroes in the Hall of Fame’, Joyce continued Peter’s legacy following his death by founding the community-based BHF in 2016. In 2022 she received an OBE for services to the Promotion of Black History and Heritage. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development.
Joyce was a student at the University of Greenwich from 2012 – 2016, where she pursued doctoral students in Education, following her MBA in Organisational Leadership. She has also been an Associate Lecturer with the Open University Business School since 2009.
Spanning roles as community leader, teacher and keen student, Joyce pays forward her commitment to the benefits of education: in the last academic year the Black Heroes Foundation hosted two University of Greenwich placement students.
ALICE MOODY (Pictured)
Teacher, Road Safety Campaigner and Volunteer
Alice gained her Teachers Certificate at Avery Hill in 1941 before pursuing a career as a primary school teacher and Headteacher. During her time at Staverton Primary School in Trowbridge, Alice led a successful campaign with local parents against the school’s planned closure, ensuring it remained a key part of the local community for future generations of children.
Alice continued to teach on a voluntary basis after her retirement and to share her experience of being evacuated from the Blitz during World War 2 – a period during which she continued to teach.
Alice is also an advocate for her community, supporting road safety campaigns in Bradford-on-Avon where she was also a town guide and volunteer at Holy Trinity Church. Alice recently marked her 102nd birthday.
