Our founder Susannah Schofield MBE was made an honorary Doctor of Literature at the University of London’s Foundation Day ceremony yesterday, in recognition of her work on diversity within the journalism sector.

John Schofield Trust Chair Jonathan Paterson welcomed the news saying, “Since founding the John Schofield Trust 30 years ago, Susie has worked tirelessly to ensure young journalists are supported in their careers. Our mentoring programmes have supported hundreds of talented  journalists, many from diverse and under-represented backgrounds. I am delighted Susie’s work is being recognised in this way.”

Front row l-r: Sir Terry Waite, HRH, Prof David Latchman. Back row, l-r: Susannah Schofield, Kumar Birla, Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, Kavia Reddi, Revd Philip Goff

Susie set up the John Schofield Trust in 1996, after the death of her husband John Schofield who was reporting on the war in Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) for the BBC. Susie has been involved in the charity throughout, chairing the board, encouraging volunteers, fundraising and working tirelessly to grow the work of the Trust and help early career journalists. She stepped back from chairing the charity earlier this year but remains involved as the founder and is our best supporter.

Susie was one of five honorands who received an honorary degree or fellowship. Historian Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, human rights activist and author Sir Terry Waite, businessman Kumar Mangalam Birla and The Reverand Philip Goff were the other recipients. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal presented the awards.

Professor David Latchman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, said: “on behalf of the University I’d like to congratulate all of our honorary graduates and fellows for their awards. Each of our distinguished honorands have made remarkable achievements in their varied and respective fields, yet all driven by a passion for helping others, recognising the value of education and a desire to unite, rather than divide. It is a value that we are pleased to celebrate, something which makes them very special indeed, and I am honoured and delighted to be able to recognise each of them.”

Read more about the day on the University of London’s website.