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The King's Birthday Honours mark the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the United Kingdom. A number of Jesus alumni were honoured this year: Rory Cellan-Jones (1977), Jo Saxton (1990), Jonathan Bartrop (1999) and Phillida Strachan (2005) were all recognised for their outstanding service and achievements.

Rory Cellan-Jones

Rory Cellan-Jones was awarded an OBE for services to journalism. He graduated from Jesus in 1981 with a BA in Modern and Medieval Languages. He then went on to a varied and illustrious career, taking on a wide range of roles for the BBC, both behind and in front of the camera. Earlier this year, Rory was hosted by the Intellectual Forum for a public conversation about how his time at Jesus set him up for such a successful career. 

Jo  Saxton 

Jo Saxton was awarded a CBE for services to education. Jo graduated from Jesus in 1993 with a BA in History of Art. In 2021, she was appointed Chief Regulator of The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation () and has a long and impressive career in academia, school-teaching and education consultancy. Alongside her wide interests in languages and art history, Jo has also been a tireless advocate for improving the quality of schools in deprived areas and for expanding access.

Jonathan Bartrop

Jonathan Bartrop was awarded an OBE for services to defence. He graduated from °µÍø½ûÇø in 2002 with a BA in History. Jonathan is currently a Team Leader at the Ministry of Defence.

Phillida Strachan  

Phillida Strachan was awarded an OBE for services to international development. She graduated in 2008 with a BA in History. Phillida previously worked for the Department for International Development, taking on advisory and leadership roles in Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria and is currently Head of the FCO’s Humanitarian Resource Group.