York St John University celebrates community champions with honorary degrees

Jack Woodhams, founder of York mental health charity Menfulness, and Alison Lowe OBE, West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime, will receive honorary degrees alongside 2,900 York St John University students at graduation ceremonies taking place from 18 to 21 November 2025 in York Minster. 

Each year, honorary degrees are awarded to individuals in recognition of outstanding achievement in their field, their contribution to the region or society or service to the University. The recipients of the 2025 honorary degrees are: 

Jack Woodhams, co-founder of the community support groups Menfulness and Yorkey Dads

Jack graduated from York St John University in 2004, following which he served as President of the Students’ Union for two years. He has since devoted his career to challenging stigma and encouraging open conversations around men's mental health, drawing from his own lived experiences. In 2023, Menfulness achieved charitable status, gaining widespread recognition for its work in suicide prevention. Now a multi-award-winning charity, Menfulness has supported over 500 men to access counselling, providing vital pathways to professional mental health support. Most recently, the charity received funding from the Integrated Care Board to establish a presence in Scarborough, expanding its reach and impact in the region.    

Jack will be awarded a Doctor of the University (honoris causa) on Tuesday 18 November at the 1.45pm ceremony. 

Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime in West Yorkshire 

Alison has worked at the intersection of politics, policy and the voluntary sector, championing social justice for the communities she has served for over 30 years. During her time in the voluntary sector, Alison was Chief Executive of Touchstone, a mental health charity working across West Yorkshire with a particular focus on supporting individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Alison has also been involved in local government as a former Labour Party councillor. She is a well-known campaigner on equal rights and has chaired the Leeds Domestic Violence Forum, which raises awareness of domestic violence against women and children by known men.     

Alison will be awarded a Doctor of the University (honoris causa) on Thursday 20 November at the 10.00am ceremony. 

Professor Karen Bryan, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of York St John University, said: 

“Seeing our students graduate is one of the most rewarding moments of the year. Our ceremonies in York Minster are a truly memorable occasion for everyone who has worked hard to complete their studies, providing a chance to celebrate their achievements with friends and family. This year, I am also delighted to recognising our two honorary graduates, Jack Woodhams, and Alison Lowe OBE, for their inspirational work. My warmest congratulations to our graduating class of 2025, we look forward to your continued success.” 

Graduation marks an important milestone for students and the ceremonies in York Minster are a highlight of the student experience at York St John University. The Class of 2025 will celebrate their achievements at 8 ceremonies taking place from Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 November 2025. The ceremonies will be presided over by the University’s Chancellor BBC presenter Reeta Chakrabarti; Pro Chancellor Dame Julia Unwin DBE; and Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of York St John University, Professor Karen Bryan OBE. 

Livestreams of all the graduation ceremonies will be accessible on the York St John University Events page on YouTube.