New fellows honoured at LJMU graduation

“Find something you care about, then focus on the mastery of it” was the message for the Class of 2026 from LJMU’s new honorary fellows.

Three notable figures were recognised with the university’s highest honour during this week’s ceremonies at Liverpool Cathedral.

Phil Kenyon

A double LJMU alum having completed a BSc in Psychology and Sport followed by an MSc in Sport Science, Phil is one of the world’s leading golf coaches.

Having coached winners of all four major championships, Phil has been recognised by the university for his outstanding contribution to global sport, his international standing as a leader in elite coaching, and his enduring connection to LJMU and the region.

Accepting the award, Phil said: “This recognition really does mean a lot to me. I had a fantastic five years at LJMU – years that shaped me far more than I would have realised at the time. 

Nobody knows what your future holds, and your past definitely doesn’t define your future. But if you can find something you care about, then focus on the mastery of it. Motivation will come and go, but your commitment and work ethic must never waver. 

Phil Kenyon

“The average lifespan gives us around 4,000 weeks on this planet. Most of you (graduates) are already 1,000 weeks in. I’m a bit further along. So, wherever your journey takes you, give it your best shot – excuse the golfing pun – don’t hold back, don’t leave anything on the table and make the most of every single one of those weeks.”

Andrea Nixon MBE

Chair of National Museums Liverpool, Andrea has been honoured for her outstanding contribution to the arts, her leadership across the cultural sector, and her enduring support for LJMU and its students.

Andrea has been working in partnership with LJMU in a number of roles for over 20 years, including a pioneering collaboration between the university and Tate Liverpool which embedded roles across both organisations, developing co-curated exhibitions and opening up the world of galleries and cultural leadership to thousands of students.

Andrea said: "I know from my own experience that saying yes, even if you have no idea what the outcome might be, is generally a better experience than saying no because you are unsure. If we all stayed only doing what we knew, the world would be a much poorer place."

Sometimes in life you will have to jump off the diving board without being completely sure whether there is water in the swimming pool below – but human beings are brave, they are creative and they take risks and make change. 

Andrea Nixon MBE

Rachael Hennigan OBE

A proud LJMU graduate, Rachael has been the Principal and Chief Executive at Hugh Baird College since 2020. 

At the heart of everything Rachael does is a simple belief: that every learner deserves opportunity and hope for the future. She is relentlessly student-focused, driven by a determination to ensure that young people and adult learners across Merseyside can develop the skills, confidence and ambition they need to build better lives for themselves and their communities. 

I have been lucky enough to experience first hand the power of education and how it transforms lives. I remember the impact my teachers had on me and now I am fortunate to watch with pride the difference those teachers make every day to our students. They skilfully develop knowledge and expertise that enable our students not only to achieve qualifications but support them to find their way.

Rachael Hennigan OBE

More about LJMU’s honorary fellows

The fellowship of the university is an association of individuals who are closely connected with the work of the university and our fellows play an active role in the life of the university by delivering guest lectures, hosting events, helping with projects and in some cases mentoring and supporting individual or groups of students.