Birkbeck alumni recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

Ten Birkbeck alumni have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to social care, the arts, equality, public service and beyond in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025.

The honours celebrate those alumni whose achievements reflect Birkbeck’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence, civic responsibility and social impact.

Among the recipients is Berlin International Film Festival director Tricia Tuttle. A leading voice in global cinema, she was awarded an MBE for her services to film. After completing her MA in Cinema and Television Studies at Birkbeck in 1998, Tricia quickly established herself in the UK’s film sector and has since held senior roles at British Film Institute (BFI), British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS).

At the BFI, she became Director of Festivals, where she oversaw both the BFI London Film Festival and BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, significantly expanding their reach, cultural relevance and global profile. In 2024, she was appointed Executive Director of the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), one of the world’s most prestigious and influential film festivals.

Other alumni honoured include Dave Rich, Director of Policy at the Community Security Trust, a charity that provides security and advice to the Jewish community in the UK. He completed his PhD in History at Birkbeck in 2015 and has been recognised with an MBE for his work tackling antisemitism, hate crime and extremism.

Timothy Noad, the heraldic designer behind King Charles’ cypher, is also being awarded an MBE for services to calligraphy, heraldry and design. He completed a BA in the History of Art at Birkbeck in 1997.

Professor Sally Wheeler OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck, said: “On behalf of the entire Birkbeck community, I extend my sincere congratulations to our alumni who have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

“The honours are an important recognition of the outstanding contributions of our alumni to public life and professional excellence. We take great pride in the accomplishments of inspiring members of the Birkbeck community, who are making such a positive difference to the world.”

The full list of the Birkbeck alumni who received honours are:

Penelope Aston, Founder and Director of GroOops, a counsellor network offering services specialising in addressing the emotional repercussions of dyslexia. She was awarded a British Empire Medal for raising awareness of dyslexia and mental health.

Kevin Coutinho, Chair of Trustees at the Windsor Fellowship, has received an MBE for his significant contributions to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Howard Dawber, who has been awarded an OBE for his services to local government and the community in East London. He is the Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth.

Timothy Noad, a self-employed designer, has been recognised with an MBE for his services to calligraphy, heraldry and design.

Luljeta Nuzi, founder of the Shpresa Programme, was awarded an MBE for her tireless work supporting the Albanian community.

Rasheed Nicholas Pendry, Director of Practice for Children’s Services at Wandsworth Borough Council, has received an OBE for his dedication to children and family social care.

Dave Rich, Director of Policy at the Community Security Trust, has been recognised with an MBE for his work tackling antisemitism, hate crime, and extremism.

Isaac Samuels, Co-Chair of the Think Local Act Personal Partnership Board, has been awarded an OBE for his services to adult social care.

Tricia Tuttle, Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, has been awarded an MBE for her services to film.

John Welch, a Nurse Consultant in Critical Care and Critical Care Outreach for University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has received an MBE for his commitment to nursing and patient safety.