Rose Ayling-Ellis Awarded Honorary Doctorate
Alongside Creative Industry Icons

The moment was made even more poignant because Rose graduated from UCA with a First in BA (Hons) Fashion Design in 2016. It was while studying at UCA that Rose acted with the Deafinitely Youth Theatre, before her breakout roles in BBC’s Casualty and EastEnders, and winning Strictly Come Dancing.

The multi-award nominated actress, producer and now kids’ author is currently on our screens in ITV’s thriller Code of Silence, which she also executive produced. Taking on a lead role, as a deaf person, in a primetime drama for the first time. 

In her acceptance speech Rose said: “I really am very honoured to receive this, especially from the very University that I graduated from. Work hard and enjoy the ride. Congratulations to all of us.”

While her acting career has gone from strength to strength, UCA also recognised and celebrated her advocacy work for the Deaf community. 

Rose has used her platform to champion the British Sign Language (BSL) Act and calls on the government to support disabled people better. And through groundbreaking documentaries like BBC’s Old Hands, New Tricks, she successfully taught a group of retirees BSL.

Honoured alongside Rose was Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive at Sky, who was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the creative industries and her belief in the power of creativity to shape culture, technology, and society.

Dana’s leadership journey – spanning the United States, Australia, Ireland, and the UK – has been shaped by creativity, inclusivity, and a spirit of innovation. These are values that sit at the heart of UCA’s mission: empowering people to use their creativity to drive change, respond to challenges, and shape a better future. Her approach to leadership reflects the belief that diverse perspectives, open minds, and bold ideas are essential ingredients for cultural and creative progress.  

 

Speaking at the graduation ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Dana said: “One thing I’ve learned is that creativity isn’t only for artists. Creativity is about seeing the world differently, solving problems in fresh ways, and staying open to new ideas and possibilities all through your journey.” 

Dana added: “Whether you move forward, sideways, or even backwards now and then, just keep moving with passion and purpose. Stay ambitious, stay humble, dream big, keep learning, and cherish and thank those who helped you.” 

UCA also awarded an honorary doctorate to Marco Bizzarri, President and Co-Founder of FOREL and former Gucci CEO, who was recognised as one of Italy’s foremost figures in luxury and fashion, recognized for his visionary leadership as the President and Co-Founder of FOREL and former CEO of Gucci.  

With a distinguished career that spans over 35 years in the fashion industry, Marco has earned widespread respect and numerous accolades, including being named the British Fashion Awards International Business Leader of the Year three times, receiving France’s Knight of the Legion of Honor, and representing the Business of Fashion 500, the definitive index of individuals shaping the global fashion landscape, as a leading figure since 2013.   

In his acceptance speech, Marco expressed his gratitude, he said: “It’s a privilege to receive this Honorary Doctorate from the University for the Creative Arts, and to speak in a place that shapes the next generation of creative minds and leaders.”  
 

Imparting his wisdom he added: “I really wish you to find the people who believe in you. Because nobody is born to be a CEO or a Creative Director, there is someone at a certain point that decides to appoint you in that role. They throw you the ball and you start running. For me that was Robert Polet, who was CEO of the Gucci Group when he appointed me CEO of Stella McCartney back in 2005. He was a person who believed in me more than I believed in myself.  Looking back the thing you are going to cherish the most will be the people who were together with you along the way on your journey.”

Congratulations to all this year’s recipients of honorary doctorates, UCA thanks you for your achievements and contributions.