![Image of King's Birthday Honours](/sites/default/files/styles/image/public/field/image/s960_gov_graphicvertical_2024_1_.png.jpg?itok=CjfDdp-M)
Birthday honours for Jesus alumni
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 °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½Ó¿Ú 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.
- This year's Honours also recognised former Master and Fellow Professor Ian White (1977), Bye-Fellow Paul Fannon and Visiting Fellow Chris Boardman. You can read more on their awards here.