Westminster alumni Sharon Olga Tomlin BEM, Jason O'Shea MBE, Paul Newman MBE, Lynette Leith OBE and Steve Morrison OBE have been named in the King’s New Year Honours List in recognition of their contribution to communities across the UK.
The New Year Honours are a prestigious set of awards given annually by King Charles III to recognise the outstanding achievements, contributions and selfless service of individuals across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations. The list celebrates efforts made in entertainment, sport, politics, education or the local community.
Sharon Olga Tomlin graduated in 2007 from the University of Westminster with a Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences: Herbal Medicine and has been named a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM). She has been recognised for her contribution to the Black community in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. As a community organiser, she has been working with Sobus, a community development agency dedicated to supporting voluntary and community sector organisations.
Jason O’Shea has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for charitable services to terminally and seriously ill children in Essex. Jason graduated in 1992 from the University of Westminster with a degree in Management Studies. He co-founded Wipe Away Those Tears in 2006 with his wife Gail, who also received the award. Wipe Away Those Tears is a charity dedicated to granting wishes and bringing joy to terminally or seriously ill children in Essex.
Another alumnus, Paul Newman, has received an MBE for his services to health and social care. Paul completed an MBA at the University of Westminster in 2003. Since 2013, Paul has been the CEO at Greensleeves Care, a provider of quality care for older people that manages award-winning residential, dementia and nursing homes. Greensleeves Care has been recognised as the UK's top charitable care provider. Paul is also an Elected Governor at the Milton Keynes University Hospital.
Paul said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition, which reflects the hard work and dedication of so many colleagues and partners in the health and social care sector. This award is a testament to their commitment to improving the lives of older people. As I prepare for the next chapter of my career, I remain as passionate as ever about raising standards, fostering innovation and creating environments where older people can thrive.”
Lynette Leith was awarded an OBE for services to further education. Lynette obtained a Professional Certificate in Education from the University of Westminster in 2010. She has almost two decades of experience in education, including working in institutions such as Bradford College, Chesterfield College and Loughborough College. Since 2021 she has been Vice Principal at Hull College and through her work has helped thousands of students gain valuable education and develop their skills.
Westminster alumnus Steve Morrison has also received an OBE. Steve has been recognised for his services to the media and creative industries. He is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chair at All3Media, an award-winning global television, production and distribution company. Steve has been a key figure in the UK's creative industries for over fifty years, significantly impacting broadcasting, film and TV production. His career started at Granada TV, where he eventually rose to the role of Chief Executive.
Laura Hughes, Head of Alumni Relations, added: “It is incredibly uplifting to see what our alumni have achieved since their time at the University of Westminster. Their ability to support so many people in their communities through their work is truly remarkable and hearing about their recognition at such a high level for their dedication and accomplishments is inspiring. We offer our warmest congratulations to all our alumni who have been honoured in the King’s New Year Honours List 2025.”
Westminster’s alumni's work within their communities directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn about the colleagues, alumni and supporters who were recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours List.
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