Three Somervillians have been recognised for their achievements and service to the public in this year’s Birthday Honours, including a Damehood for Professor Elan Closs Stephens (English, 1966).

Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens was recognised for her services to the Welsh Government and to broadcasting, including her ongoing role as the Welsh Representative on the board of the BBC. She is also Emeritus Professor of Communications and Creative Industries at Aberystwyth University. She had previously been awarded a CBE in 2001 for her services to broadcasting and to the Welsh Language.

Two Somervillians were also appointed to the Order of the British Empire. Professor Caroline Barron (History, 1959) was recognised for her services to education, and Professor Sarah Broadie (Lit. Hum., 1960) for her services to Classical Philosophy.

Professor Barron is a medieval historian with a principal research interest in late medieval British history and the life of women in medieval England. She holds the title of Professor Emerita at Royal Holloway, and currently serves as President of the British Association For Local History. She is an Honorary Fellow of the College, and a former president of the Somerville Association.

Professor Broadie is Bishop Wardlaw Professor of Philosophy at the University of St Andrews, where she specialises in the ideas of Aristotle and Plato. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the British Academy. She was elected a member of the Academia Europaea in 2006. She is also an Honorary Fellow at Somerville.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see the work of these Somervillians recognised in the Birthday Honours”, said College Principal Jan Royall.

“Their important contributions to public life and academia affirm the values that this College holds dear.

“I would like to offer my congratulations, and I am sure I will be joined by all the members of our community in doing so.”

If you are a Somervillian and have received an honour this year, we would love to celebrate your success. Please get in touch with Liz Cooke via elizabeth.cooke@some.ox.ac.uk to notify us.

Clockwise from top: Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens; Professor Sarah Broadie OBE; Professor Caroline Barron OBE

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