Space travellers, diplomatic experts and inspirational mothers among latest Wolverhampton University graduates

Nikhil Seth, David Odusanya and Jannicke Mikkelsen have all been awarded honorary recognition from the university this week.

Meanwhile, a mother who “lives and breathes Wolverhampton” has graduated with a Law degree despite living with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fibromyalgia. 

Tara Brown is an LLB (Hons) Law graduate who, throughout her studies, has been the primary carer for her son while managing often debilitating symptoms. 

Despite her condition, the 29-year-old said she never once considered giving up on her dream. 

She said: “There have been so many standout moments during my time at university; from working in the Legal Advice Centre and helping the local community, to gaining invaluable online work experience with law firms. 

"But what truly made the difference was the unwavering support I received from my tutors and staff at Wolverhampton University. 

"As a single parent, I started this journey to give my son a better future. 

"I was the first in my family to go to university, and I did it while living with ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia. 

"There were days I couldn’t get out of bed, times I lost my sight, and even a cancer scare during my final exams, but I never gave up. 

"My mum has been my biggest cheerleader, and I owe so much to her love and strength. 

"Now, as I graduate, I hope to continue my studies, pursue a Master’s, and one day qualify as a solicitor in mental health law. 

"I want to sit in an office with my son’s photo on the desk and know that I made it, not just for me, but for him. 

"To anyone facing challenges: don’t let anything stop you. The university supported me every step of the way, and they’ll support you too. 

"You are capable of more than you know.” 

Nikhil Seth was awarded an honorary professorship, awarded to distinguished academics or practitioners who have demonstrated a commitment to, and interest in, the university’s academic life and who are actively associated with the university’s academic community. 

Mr Seth is a visionary global leader and has been recognised for his extraordinary contributions to international diplomacy and sustainable development.  

As former executive director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), his leadership has shaped landmark UN initiatives, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, touching lives across continents and championing progress in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. 

He said: “My own journey began in the classrooms of Delhi University as a student, then a teacher of economics. 

"It then took me into the world of diplomacy and the United Nations. 

"There, for several decades, my life revolved around a single, resonant idea: sustainable development. 

"What began as a vision of reconciling environment and development evolved into a global framework encompassing human rights, economic dignity, environmental balance, and peaceful cooperation. 

"From Rio to the 2030 Agenda, from the Millennium Goals to the newly adopted Pact for the Future, we have always returned to the same foundational aspiration: to build just, inclusive, and sustainable societies where no one is left behind. 

"And that vision lives here in Wolverhampton. 

"As I accept this honour, I also accept a responsibility to share what I have learned through my work in multilateral diplomacy - to support this university in its mission and to engage with young changemakers, researchers, and dreamers in the years ahead." 

David Odusanya was awarded the prestigious Honorary Doctorate of Design, part of a set of awards presented by the university to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise. 

Co-founder and creative director at Co-Lab and former vice president of design at Nike, Mr Odusanya studied Communication Design and Visual Communication at the Wolverhampton Polytechnic School of Art and Design. 

After considering other universities in London, Mr Odusanya joined Wolverhampton University in 1988 and graduated before moving to the USA to pursue a career in design and forging a glittering career across the film and sportswear sectors, eventually being head hunted by Nike in 1995. 

He said: “The Wolverhampton School of Design was where it all started for me as it shaped how I think about design and creativity. 

"Being recognized by the university now, after so many years in the industry, is truly an honour.” 

Meanwhile space traveller and videographer Jannicke Mikkelsen was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Arts.

Ms Mikkelsen can boast collaborations with Sir David Attenborough, Sir Brian May, Netflix and NASA during her career, which skyrocketed after her graduation from the university with a BA (Hons) Video and Film Production in 2012. 

More recently, she was a member of the crew that broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest pole-to-pole orbit of the earth, managing the cinematography for the record-breaking effort called One More Orbit, which was livestreamed.  

Ms Mikkelsen was recently a crew member of a SpaceX mission, Fram2, which was the first spaceflight where humans flew over and explored the polar regions. 

She said: “I’m proud to receive my Honorary Doctor of Arts from Wolverhampton University. 

"I stand proud of an art education that has enabled me to forge a unique career as the first cinematographer in space, Astronaut and Commander of my own spacecraft.

"May this honour inspire others to answer their own call to explore, create, and keep your internal drive alive to break barriers on your unique path.” 

To find out more about graduate success, check out the Every Story Has a Start web page which showcases alumni across the globe, including high achievers from the worlds of literature, business, sport, film and the arts feature, sharing how their lives and careers have developed since their days studying in Wolverhampton.