Social entrepreneur honoured today by the University of Northampton

The University of Northampton is delighted to announce that Marina Kim, co-creator of Ashoka U and internationally-renowned social entrepreneur, will receive an honorary fellowship today (Friday 22 July).

Over 2,000 Northampton students will be receiving their certificates at the Royal and Derngate Theatre this week, and Marina is one of four high profile honorands who will be conferred into the University of Northampton family.

Marina’s experience in social entrepreneurship dates back over a decade and saw her named in the Forbes ’30 under 30’ for her work. Marina’s work has been featured on Social Edge, change.org, in the Chronicle of Higher Education and the New York Times.

Marina co-founded and leads Ashoka U, an organisation working with universities across the world to embed social innovation as an educational focus and core value of the university culture. Ashoka U recognises universities that have embedded social entrepreneurship and innovation as core values. The University of Northampton was the first UK University to receive Ashoka U ‘Changemaker Campus’ status, in recognition of our work to build a supportive place where students and staff can identify social problems and create innovative ways to tackle these issues.

Speaking to the class of 2016, Marina said: “I’m honoured to be here today. My role with Ashoka U is to identify the most innovative institutions around the world that are preparing the next generation of leaders, solving social problems and contributing to creative solutions, just like the University of Northampton.

“I have been so impressed and delighted to be here with you all, as you are graduating and celebrating the next phase of your lives. You are going to be creating the future. You’re very lucky to be graduating from the University of Northampton, which embodies so many of the ideals and values of what Higher Education can be in terms of preparing the next generation of leaders.”

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, commented: “In addition to celebrating the outstanding achievements of the graduating class of summer 2016, we are also recognising high profile individuals who have made a positive impact on others. The recipients of these honorary awards will inspire our graduates as they begin the next exciting stage in their lives, making their own mark on the world.”

Pictures: (L-R) Wray Irwin, Head of University Centre for Employability & Engagement, Marina Kim, Tim Curtis, Senior Lecturer in Social and Community Development.