Elliot Gleave, widely recognised by his stage name Example, has been honoured with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music by Royal Holloway, University of London. The award acknowledges his considerable accomplishments as a singer, songwriter, and record producer.
Honorary Degrees from the University of London are bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their respective fields or have provided exceptional service to the university. Gleave is himself an alumnus of Royal Holloway, having graduated with a degree in media arts. He subsequently contributed to the Star Wars prequels as a prop maker before achieving global musical success.
Known as ‘Example’ – a moniker derived from his initials EG – he has garnered worldwide acclaim for his contributions to rap, hip hop, and dance music. His debut album was released in 2007, followed by international recognition with his 2010 studio album, Won’t Go Quietly, which secured the number four position on the UK Album Chart and topped the UK Dance Chart. The subsequent year saw his platinum-selling album, Playing In The Shadows, reach number one on the UK Album Chart, featuring two UK number one singles: 'Changed The Way You Kiss Me' and 'Stay Awake'. He has continued to build on this success through numerous global tours, hit singles, albums, and mixtapes, with his most recent album released digitally in 2020.
The degree conferral ceremony took place at Royal Holloway’s campus in Egham, Surrey, during a meeting with the university’s Senior Vice-Principal, Professor Ken Badcock.
“"It’s with great pleasure that I accept this Honorary Degree from Royal Holloway. It was a great day and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to catch up with some of my old lecturers. I have many fond memories of studying here and recording some of my earlier tracks whilst living on campus. I encourage all Royal Holloway students to follow their dreams and to believe that if you work hard enough, anything can happen."
