Stormzy to Receive Honorary Doctorate from Cambridge University

Stormzy’s Honorary Degree Announcement

Stormzy is set to receive an honorary doctoral degree from Cambridge University.

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Pioneer Grim has been announced today (March 19) as one of the eight exceptional individuals who will be awarded honorary doctorates by the university at the end of this year.

Details of the Ceremony

This event will take place on June 25, following the appointment of eight elected members by the university council, all of whom will receive their doctoral degrees during a special ceremony at the Senate House. Graduates, staff, students, and several special guests will be in attendance.

For Stormzy, the honorary degree will be awarded in the field of law, recognizing his impactful charity work within society.

His contributions include the Stormzy Scholarship at Cambridge, an initiative that supports two black British students annually, established in 2018. The program expanded in 2021 when HSBC UK committed to funding an additional 10 students each year. Through this initiative, 55 students have accessed the university, with their tuition and living expenses covered.

Reports indicate that this fund has significantly increased the number of black students applying to Cambridge from across the country.

Community Impact and Recognition

The artist has also made significant contributions to the community through music, sports, and literature via his innovative brand #MERKYFC. Launched in 2022, the initiative aims to address racial disparities in the football industry, providing opportunities for British youths of Black heritage. Since its inception, the movement has created 63 jobs in the British football industry and has maintained 39 of those positions for a long duration.

Last November, it was announced that the initiative was further developed through an online platform aimed at supporting current participants and fostering a broader community for those who have secured roles.

Other recipients of honorary degrees from the University of Cambridge include Sir Simon Russell Beale, Lady Arden of Heswall, Lady Katherine Grainger, Professor Angela Davis, Sir Oliver Hart, Sir John G. Ratter, and Maria Leptin.

This is not the first time Stormzy has received an honorary degree from a prestigious institution. In 2022, he was awarded by the University of Exeter in recognition of his “wonderful contributions to society and extraordinary talents.”

During a previous event, he expressed: “It took a lot for you to arrive here today. Your journeys to reach this point were challenging. So, from the bottom of my heart, I say congratulations, well done, and you should all be proud of yourselves. What you have achieved is incredible. Do not let anyone diminish you, and do not let anyone undermine you. If you are sitting in this room today, you are worthy and you are magnificent.”