Mo Gilligan gets honorary fellowship from Rose Bruford College
London's Rose Bruford College has awarded Mo Gilligan an honorary fellowship.
The stand-up was awarded the honour at a ceremony at the Parish Church of Holy Trinity for "his significant contribution to the creative industries".
He says: "I have always been passionate about making the arts both reflective of our community and accessible to all. I am absolutely honoured to receive the Fellowship from Rose Bruford College and I'm really touched that my work has resonated with such an outstanding institution."
The ceremony also saw actor Ray Fearon - who has appeared in British comedy films such as Christmas In Paradise and Swede Caroline - installed as the
The college notes the ceremony is historic in terms of representation, "where uniquely a UK higher education institution is installing a Black President and honorary fellow alongside a Black Principal being in post."
Ray Fearon says: "My love of acting started from a young age. As an aspiring actor, I toured London with a youth theatre company, before going on to study drama and then performing arts at Rose Bruford College. I know from personal experience the value and importance of having a role model and mentor who understands your journey, your aspirations and your dreams. I'm delighted to be installed as President at Rose Bruford College and I'm looking forward to championing the next generation of students as they progress through their education and on to careers in this, the most rewarding industry of the arts."
Professor Randall Whittaker, Principal and CEO at the college, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Ray Fearon as our new president of the college and to award Mo Gilligan with an honorary fellowship. Both Londoners themselves and with stellar international careers, we know their successes will inspire our students towards new heights of achievement and innovation.
"I'm proud to lead a higher education institution that is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of arts students and graduates from diverse backgrounds by representing Black Excellence in senior roles at our college. The creative industries are at their best where representation is intentional. Representation at senior levels can be a catalyst for change across the wider industry. Today's ceremony reaffirms our beliefs in the transformative power of education and nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community that encourages us all to be bold and embrace adventure."