Sunderland honorary named in the New Year Honours list

Published on 9, January, 2025

An honorary graduate from the University of Sunderland has received an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

Richard O’Neill MBE, internationally acclaimed performance storyteller, author and playwright, has been recognised for his services to education and literature.

Richard said: “I was surprised, that was my first reaction, complete surprise. It means a lot to be recognised in this way.

“I’ve been working in education for over 20 years now starting with community education through to higher and being recognised for all the work I have done hopefully might give some inspiration to other people to show that their hard work will get recognised too.”

Earlier this year, Richard also received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University at its Summer Graduation Ceremonies in 2024.

Richard said: “For me to be recognised by a university in the place where I grew up, and particularly one that does so much work on inclusion, was just the icing on the cake.”

Richard has had several children’s storybooks published, winning literary, cultural and diversity awards in the UK, Europe and the USA, including being awarded National Literacy Hero status for his work with excluded and marginalised communities.

As an activist, Richard has worked hard to positively promote Romani Gypsy culture and inclusion.

Alongside this, Richard is the Creative Lead at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, as well as Professor in Practice in Humanities at Durham University.

Wendy Price OBE, Head of Widening Access and Participation at the University of Sunderland who contributed to Richard’s nomination, said: “Richard is respected and valued by teachers, colleagues and contacts nationally for his energy, creativity, the brilliance of his vision and his sheer hard work.

“I continue to learn so much from Richard, both professionally and personally and am extremely grateful to him for being so generous with his time and wisdom.

“Richard is deeply committed to enhancing education and community relations, so I’m delighted that his contributions have been recognised nationally as he is appointed MBE for services to education and literature.”

On receiving an MBE, Richard added: “It’s another tick for the north-east and where it’s going. The more we get recognised for the amazing creative work that everybody does in the region, the better it will be for the next generation growing up here.”

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