This award recognises the exceptional efforts of a graduate who has volunteered with the University in the last 12 months. Meet the shortlisted finalists:

• Sean Kyne - WINNER

Academic Award: LLB (Hons) & PG Dip Legal Practice, Class of 1997 & 1998
Job Title: Senior Crown Prosecutor
Organisation: Crown Prosecution Service
Nomination by Margaret Walsh:

Sean would be a very worthy winner of the Alumni Volunteer of the Year. He has been hugely supportive of careers and employability initiatives. He has provided class talks at the University, including during the pandemic, which have always received excellent feedback. Students have found these talks to be inspirational and several students have considered a career at the Crown Prosecution Service as a result. Sean has ensured that the CPS offer work experience to our students, and he has also taken time to mentor students, which has been extremely beneficial to their careers and led to some students gaining positions at the CPS. He has provided a case study for the University and featured in a law alumni wall promotional display in the Wolverhampton Law School, which provides inspiration to current students on their education journey. In addition, Sean has featured in the annual alumni Life magazine and has been a generous supporter with his time acting as a member of the University's Alumni Advisory Board, something which he is extremely passionate about. Sean has expressed a desire to form a law alumni association in the future and to be involved in its running. These numerous examples are testament to Sean's dedication to the University and to his passion to assist students to reach their potential. Sean is an exceptional role model and  ambassador for the University and the Law School. Sean's loyalty and hard work in assisting the University is justly recognised by this award nomination.

• Luke Cato
  

Academic Award: BA (Hons) Sports Studies Class of 2012
Job Title: Founder/CEO
Organisation: REAL
Nomination by Carl Longmore:

Luke is a BAME graduate of sport studies where I met him originally when I was a masters student myself doing some visiting lecturer work. He has since gone on to form his own charity dedicated to raising awareness of various forms of child exploitation including county lines and knife crime. The REAL project has developed projects, involving more than 20 schools, enlisting the help of his nephew who was previously involved in county lines (County Lines is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries (although not exclusively), usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs). Eventually, the REAL project grew into a range of resources/activities aimed at capturing the experiences of those who have experienced child exploitation and the various areas it encompasses. This project was later commissioned by Walsall Police and Crime Commissioners Unit and he has been invited to discuss his organisation in Parliament. Luke has since returned to the University with associated organisations to deliver at our learning conferences to support trainee teachers in understanding child exploitation and he has even donated his education packs to our courses for free. He has developed one of the first free to play mobile phone apps designed to educate youth and adolescent groups on how children are groomed for exploitation. Luke is a credit to the community.

• Chima Kalu

Academic Award: MSc Advanced Technology Management (Engineering Analysis) Class of 2010

Nomination by Chima Vistor Kalu (self):

Chima oversees the Nigerian Chapter of the University of Wolverhampton Alumni Association dedicating hundreds of hours of his time voluntarily to support and promote the work of the University in his home country. He is responsible for making sure that all members are held together regardless of the peculiar situation of the multi-cultural and ethnic diversities of Nigerian society, and he serves as the first point of contact for alumni in-country. He also sits as an active member on the University's Alumni Advisory Board.

This award recognises the extraordinary achievements of a recent graduate, whose successes have benefited local communities or society at large. Meet the shortlisted finalists:

• Ronak Agrawal - WINNER
  

Academic Award: BSc (Hons) International Business Management (TNE) Class of 2021
Job Title: Biratnagar International College
Organisation: Students Recruitment Officer
Nomination:  by Ronak Agarwal (self):

I have actively volunteered to contribute to saving the lives of people through leading blood donations campaigns. I have also lead the awareness campaigns (schools, colleges, community and streets) to create awareness for people regarding the importance and benefits of blood donations. This work has contributed to the life saving of over 1000 people with over 1200 blood donations. Through these awareness campaigns I have reached over 10,000 people and generated awareness regarding the impact of blood donations in society. Additionally, I have been running training programs for schools and high schools students to enhance their personality and interpersonal skills. The training programs were conducted in different cities throughout Nepal. I am professionally a beauty pageants expert, who has organised many events and I have been a part of over 50 events as a judge/trainer, impacted the life of 1000s of aspiring models who aim to do something better in their lives. Through my events, I have created  business opportunities for many different small businesses who have been hiring daily wage workers. Similarly, I have been working as a bridge between top corporate houses and aspiring youths to persue future careers.

• Selina Jacques-King

Nomination by Shelley Croghan:

I am nominating Selina for the Vice-Chancellor Recent Graduate award for her fascinating MA research into Intersectionality and Interpreting: Exploring Interpreters of colour in the UK. Her research will prove a valuable starting point to understanding the issues faced by interpreters of colour, and therefore contribute to improving the situation and make the profession, as a whole, more aware. This research has been long overdue and will not only help to make a difference for interpreters of colour, but also deaf people of colour, helping them to feel represented. Selina has had a massive impact on the British Sign Language interpreting community via the work that she has done for the Interpreters of Colour Network, her support for the regional branch of ASLI (Association of Sign Language Interpreters) and the importance of her MA research into Intersectionality and the Sign Language Interpreting profession. Selina is a vibrant and committed professional who has broken through systemic barriers of the profession to prove beyond doubt that she is valuable and capable.

• Christiane Jenkins

Academic Award: BA (Hons) Sociology & Politics Class of 2021

Nomination by Michael Rees:

Christiane was an outstanding student who made significant contributions to the vulnerable women who she worked with at Goddess Living as part of her volunteering and dissertation work. She continues to work with these women, supporting them in re-entering the community and her music therapy development was praised by the organisation who continue to use it today. Her contribution on the lives of these women is hard to overstate and she would be an extremely deserving recipient of the Vice-Chancellor Recent Graduate Award.

This award recognises the outstanding achievement of a graduate who has excelled in their field. Meet the shortlisted finalists:

• Chris Woods

Academic Award: BSc (Hons) Computer Science Class of 1999
Job Title: CEO/Founder
Organisation: CyberQ Group
Nomination by Professor Prashant Pillai:

Chris is an experienced leader and entrepreneur within the cybersecurity realm, previously managing elite and innovating cybersecurity teams at the European Space Agency, HP, Fujitsu and UK Government with over 25 years of pure cyber-Security experience. Chris is the Founder and CEO of the CyberQ group based in Birmingham. CyberQ Group is an award-winning UK-based cyber-security services provider with a global reach, having overseas offices in USA, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the Philippines. The core team are all experienced cyber and risk professionals and subject matter experts helping clients select the right mix of IT security solutions, services and products to make your business cyber resilient. Chris was a mentor and advisor to cyber start-ups part of the cylon (Cyber London). Previously he was Director of Information Security for Qatar foundation, Chief Security Officer at HP and Senior Security architect at Fujitsu.

• Manuel Mantero Tocino aka Manolo Mantero

Academic Award: BA (Hons) Electronic Media, Class of 1998
Job Title: VFX Supervisor
Organisation: DNEG / Digital Domain
Nomination by Manolo Mantero (self):

Manolo Mantero is an accomplished VFX supervisor with well over a decade of experience in delivering exceptional visual effects for feature films, episodic and commercials. He is currently supervising Stranger Things season 04 and his work on the film Dune won an Oscar in 2022, BAFTA and VES awards. Manolo worked on renowned projects such as Bryan Singer’s ‘X-Men: Apocalypse,’ Warner Bros.’ ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,’ and Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien: Covenant’ as CG Supervisor. Recently, Manolo finished working as Sequence Supervisor on Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated ‘Dune’ and Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Death on the Nile.’ Prior to these, he served as a VFX Supervisor on Netflix’s ‘Rim of the World’ and on Sony Pictures’ ‘Men in Black: International’ supervising Montreal's sequences. Additionally, on the commercials side, Manolo has worked with several high-profile clients, including Procter & Gamble, Publicis, Grey Global, Saatchi & Saatchi, TVE and more. Manolo graduated from the University in 1998 and has lived and worked in the UK, Europe, Australia, and Canada. He is a trusted partner to creatives across the globe striving to achieve the highest calibre of visual effects work. 

• Sadie Bennett

Academic Award: PG Cert Applied Sports and Exercise Science, Class of 2008
Job Title: Cardiac Clinical Scientist
Organisation: University Hospitals of North Midlands

Nomination by Sadie Bennett (self):

I am an Advanced Clinical Scientist within echocardiography providing diagnostic and managements plans to patients with heart valve disease. I have produced 18 publications in peer reviewed journals including national triaging and indications for echocardiography and national guidelines in assessing cardiac function during pregnancy. I have presented four research abstracts at local and international conferences and am a regular presenter at local, national and international conferences on cardiac pathologies, promoting education to the wider cardiac science workforce. Previously, i have been an Education Facilitator at Manchester Metropolitan University for the Healthcare Science Degree programmes (2014-2017) and the 2022 award recipient for "Associate of the National School of Healthcare Science",  awarded for contributions to advancing cardiac science and echocardiographer careers within healthcare. Currently, I sit as Chair of the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) Accreditation committee and as a BSE council representative (3 year term, 2020-2023). This prestigious role sees me work at a national level to improve the education of echocardiographers within the UK. During the Covid-19 pandemic I developed and implemented a virtual assessment to replace our previously F2F assessment day. This enabled the continuation of healthcare professions to become independent practitioners within echocardiography. This has led to a positive impact on the national workforce shortage of echocardiographers and has seen over 250 newly accredited echocardiographers join the current workforce.

This award recognises a graduate who has made an impressive impact in business or their industry through their outstanding leadership. Meet the shortlisted finalists:

• Kaj Pedersen - WINNER

Academic Award: BSc (Hons) Computer Science - Class of 1988
Job Title: Chief Technology Officer
Organisation: AstrumU

Nomination by Ashley Gaddis:

Kaj Pedersen currently serves as CTO of AstrumU, a Seattle-based data services firm that is pioneering the use of machine learning to forecast the value of educational experiences in the labor market. Kaj's career spans more than 20 years in the venture creation space where he has played an integral role in launching and developing companies in FinTech, MedTech, EdTech, Search and Investment Management sectors. Kaj's work has led him to develop solutions for complex business and societal challenges.

As CTO of Pharmacy OneSource, Kaj built cloud-based software to alert clinicians of adverse drug reactions in over 30% of all US hospitals in less than three seconds. Previously Kaj was CTO for Bill Gates Investments where he rebuilt the investment management systems and technology organisation. As VP Engineering at Quote.com, Kaj oversaw a 75-person team that grew the business 20X in 3 years before being acquired by Lycos, where Kaj became GM of Finance where he led the team to becoming one of the most profitable verticles in the company. In addition, Kaj has sered as part of leadership for funding initiatives that secured $32M in total investments and named inventor for three patents.

• Laura Harvey

Academic Award: BA (Hons) Sports Studies - Class of 2001
Job Title: Head Coach
Organisation: OL Reign FC (USA)
Nomination by Martin Harrison:

Laura Harvey is an English football manager and former player who currently manages OL Reign of the American National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), since 2021. Laura managed the United States women's national under-20 and senior assistant manager 2020-21; Utah Royals FC 2018-19, United States women's national under-23 soccer team 2017; OL Reign 2013-17; Arsenal 2008-12, and Birmingham City 2002-07. She was also an assistant with the United States women's national soccer team 2020-21 and involved with the youth set-up of England women's national football team 2008-2011.

Laura's Managerial honours include:

*Arsenal - FA Women's Premier League 2009–10/FA Women's Super League 2011, 2012/FA Women's League Cup 2011, 2012/Women's FA Cup 2011

*Seattle Reign FC - NWSL Shield 2014, 2015

*United States U-20/CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship 2020

Laura's personal honours include:

*Football Association Women's Super league (FAWSL)

*Coach of the Year in 2011 after guiding Arsenal to win the league title, FA Cup, and Continental Cup

*She was named NWSL Coach of the Year in 2014, 2015, and 2021

*FA Coach of the year 2014

*FA Pro game Elite coach of the year 2014

• Helen O'Donnell
  
  
  

• This award recognises a graduate whose entrepreneurial spirit stands as an example to others running their own businesses. Meet the shortlisted finalists:
• Chinedu Ilo - WINNER

Academic Award: MSc International Business Management, Class of 2017
Job Title: Managing Director
Organisation: Gree Iloson Merchandise Nig Ltd
Nomination by Chinedu Ilo (self):

Ilo Chinedu Christopher is the Managing Director of Gree Iloson Merchandise Nig Ltd (GIM) and Chris Ilo Merchandise Nig Ltd (CIM), which ventures in industrial distribution, haulage, real estate, imports/exports, general contracts and construction. Due to his craft, creativity and vision, GIM and CIM are evolving into a household name, such that when you think of pushing your product into the market you think GIM and CIM. Their Distributorship goes beyond the shores of Nigeria, to such neighbouring countries like Benin Republic, Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast and Gambia. As a result of their ambitious nature, they intend to have their footprint across Africa. He is currently in partnership with the department of biochemistry, food/science technology and biotechnology at the Federal University of Technology Akure, working on health products that will bring lasting solutions to health-related issues and increase our life span as humans. In addition, he was recognized and awarded as one the 100 most influential young leaders in Africa in 2021. Some of his other notable awards are Business excellence award by the World Confederation of Business in 2020, the Nelson Mandela Youth Award as Ecowas Youth Ambassador of Peace in 2020,  and The Under 30CEOs award in 2018.

• Matt Weston & Mike Chinn

Academic Awards:

Matt: BA (Hons) Media & Communications Studies, Class of 2011 / MA Contemporary Media, Class of 2013  
Mike: BA (Hons) Creative & Professional Writing and Media, Class of 2011

Job Titles:
Matt: Head Honcho of Media  
Mike: Chief Biscuit Dunker (Founders & MDs)

Organisation: Stone's Throw Media

Nomination by Ed Potts:

Mike Chinn and Matt Weston founded video, animation, and livestreaming production company Stone’s Throw Media in 2011 after meeting on a University of Wolverhampton media course. Their leadership has grown the business from one client to 350. They employ eight people and work with top brands including easyGroup, Redrow, Jaguar Land Rover and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mike and Matt have grown STM organically to provide employment and never taking on external debt. In 2021, revenues grew 25% despite Covid-19. Their professional excellence is demonstrated in a number of high-profile projects. In September 2021, STM broadcast a four-day international conference for the International Association for Hydrogen Safety and the Scottish Government to 400 delegates in more than 10 countries. This year they produced a heritage video for the Europe-wide EasyGroup, working directly with easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. They have also worked extensively for the University of Wolverhampton. During the pandemic they launched the Springfield Campus online with a virtual tour, hosted the University's 2020 Staff Awards via a 100-minute live broadcast and created virtual Open Days to showcase the University. Mike was a finalist for Online Event Producer of the Year at the national 2021 Conference News Agency Awards.

• John Tearle

Academic Award: BA (Hons) Computer Games Design, Class of 2010
Job Title: Director & Founder
Organisation: Flix Interactive
Nomination by Nichola Tearle:

John graduated with a first class degree in 2010 and due to a lack of jobs, continued with his final year project with a couple of other graduates and developed his own business. Over the past 10 years he has dedicated himself to growing his business and his team. He has encountered masses of obstacles but worked tirelessly to overcome them. He now employs over 100 people and as well as working on their own title (which started at Wolverhampton Uni!), he now does work with companies such as Microsoft (Flix Interactive is Microsoft Certified) on games titles such as 'Sea of Thieves', 'Hell Let Loose', 'Crackdown 3' and 'Worm’s Rumble'. He is dedicated to creating a fair and stable work environment and works closely with the local council also. 

This award recognises a graduate’s positive contributions to the lives of others, locally or nationally. Meet the shortlisted finalists:

• Shani Dhanda - WINNER

Academic Award: BA (Hons) Event & Venue Management, Class of 2011
Job Title: Broadcaster, Disability Inclusion Specialist and Social Entrepreneur
Organisation: Diversability, Asian Woman Festival & Asian Disability Network
Nomination by Julian Cayman:

Shani Dhanda is a multi-award-winning inclusion specialist and social entrepreneur listed as one of the UK's most influential disabled people and BBC's 100 Women 2020. As a South Asian woman who experiences disability, Shani has taken the change she wants to see in the world into her own hands. She has founded numerous organisations to improve representation and challenge social inequality globally: The Disruptive Platforms Are United By The Common Purpose Of Empowering Underrepresented Communities; Diversability; Asian Woman Festival and Asian Disability Network. Shani was the face of LinkedIn's first TV ad, and LinkedIn changemaker, sitting within the top 0.09% of most influential members in the UK. Shani has been in Eastenders, is a panelist on Loose Women and Jeremy Vine on Channel 5. Shani is a trustee of Leonard Cheshire, Vice-President of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, Cultural Advisory Council Member for ITV and advisor on disability screen representation at the British Film Institute. Shani brings the voices of disabled people and organisations to policy development for the Government's Disability Unit, the Cabinet Office. Shani helps organisations break barriers and integrate inclusion into their business frameworks and has shared speaking stages with Michelle Obama and Hilary Clinton.

• Luke Cato

Academic Award: BA (Hons) Sports Studies, Class of 2012
Job Title: CEO
Organisation: REAL Project
Nomination by Julian Smith:

Luke is a BAME graduate of BA (Hons) Sport Studies. He has set up his own organisation to raise awareness of child exploitation such as county lines and knife crime. The REAL project vision is to equip young people with practical knowledge to live safely and responsibly in our ever-changing world. Their youth violence crime prevention packs provide teachers, facilitators, parents and guardians with the early intervention tools needed to impact young people. They hope to achieve this by working with schools, agencies, individuals, community groups, as well as parents and guardians who are passionate about young people succeeding in all spheres of life. Luke has also returned to the University to support and deliver at a range of events.

• Nicola Stratton

Academic Award: Deaf Studies & Linguistics, Class of 2002
Job Title: Founder and Director
Organisation: Zebra Uno

Nomination by Louise Rhodes MBE:

Deaf Entrepreneur Nikki Stratton studied Deaf Studies and Linguistics at Bristol and Wolverhampton before founding Zebra-Uno in 2003 with her business partner, Marilyn Willrich. This deaf-led company aims to break down communication barriers and facilitate effective communication between deaf and hearing people across the UK. Nikki is also well known for her TV appearances and as an award-winning presenter for Channel 4’s ‘Vee TV’. She has also appeared as an in-vision signer for a wide range of channels including BBC One and Two, the Cartoon Network and CBeebies. Nikki has also been involved with several directing projects and has presented and led on translation film projects. Zebra-Uno includes their media/film production arm set-up in 2003 as well as the Interpreting service (Zebra-Access) and the training/consultancy service, both set up in 2005. In 2006 Nikki and Marilyn co-founded Deaffest, the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival which is now recognised globally and celebrates the talents of deaf filmmakers and artists from all over the world. Nikki has been nominated for many UK and international films, directing and business awards and she also employs a number of University of Wolverhampton graduates within Zebra-Uno.

This award recognises a graduate’s positive contributions to the lives of others, internationally. Meet the shortlisted finalists:

• Dr Subrata Chanda - WINNER

Academic Award: MPH, Class of 2009
Job Title: DGM/Head- Cancer Care Program and Research
Organisation: Assam Cancer Care Foundation, India

Nomination by Dr Subrata Chanda (self):

I have excelled in his career since graduation from the University of Wolverhampton in June 2009. In the same year, I was selected in World Health Organization (WHO) and joined the WHO as Surveillance Medical Officer in November 2009, working for Polio eradication and improving routine immunisation in Bihar and West Bengal states. I have successfully contributed to polio eradication in India. Considering my achievements at a district level I was offered a job at UNICEF at state level as State Coordinator, in one of the largest states of India, Uttar Pradesh; here I transformed immunisation landscape of the state. I have worked more than 8 years for WHO and UNICEF. I then joined Piramal Swathya as Head, Clinical Domain for north eastern Indian states, where I designed, developed and operationalised many important projects. I worked in Piramal Swasthya for almost 3 years. Presently I work as DGM and Head, Cancer Care program and Research, in Assam Cancer Care Foundation (Tata Trusts) and have done so since September 2020. I have designed total preventive cancer program and implemented across Assam. I have eight research publications in my name as first author in leading national and international journals, such as BMJ, Lancet Oncology, to name a few.

• Pliny Soocoormanee

Academic Award: MA International Business, Class of 2009
Job Title: Executive Officer
Organisation: Peter Tatchell Foundation
Nomination by Michael Clarke:

Pliny started his activism for LGBT+ & Human Rights whilst at the University of Wolverhampton. He started a petition that received national coverage in the pink media. The Student Society recognised his contribution. Ultimately, he moved to the Peter Tatchell Foundation, where he has worked closely with Peter Tatchell. Since 2012, he has assisted over 1800 people, mainly LGBT+ people fleeing persecution. His contribution was recognised by the Out and Proud African LGBT group in 2017. He has also been very active, supporting the Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival. He has been working assiduously for LGBT+ & human rights on numerous campaigns including: same-sex marriage, decriminalising homosexuality in the commonwealth, banning conversion therapy, raising awareness of LGBT persecution in Russia & Chechnya, LGBT+, the Muslim Solidarity Campaign, and Reclaim Pride. He played an important role in finessing the groundbreaking report on the 'Economic Cost of Homophobia'. He has supported the LGBT+ movement in the UK and Mauritius, where he is originally from. He attended the local Pride event (This was a high-risk event as Pride was cancelled in 2018 due to a violent mob)and he was also nominated for a National Diversity Award in 2019.

• Dr Marcel Botelho

Academic Award: MSc Development Training and Education, Class of 2004
PhD Education, Class of 2008
Job Title: Director/President
Organisation: Amazonia Foundation of Studies and Research

Nomination by Robert Kowalski:

Marcel is an exceptional exemplar of the University of Wolverhampton brand. Since completing his PhD he has taken up a pivotal role in the Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA) in Belem and has contributed to: it becoming the second-best university in Amazonia; the best in Amazonia for the use of public funds; having 80% of courses classified A or B and has the finest Agronomy degree in Amazonia. In 2013 he became Pro-Rector, implementing a course evaluation and development programme, and an academic control system. As Vice President of the National Group of Teaching Pro-Rectors, Marcel led the development of national strategies to strengthen undergraduate courses. In 2017 he was elected Rector of UFRA, evidence of the strength of the changes which he initiated is the contribution that UFRA is making to the management of Covid-19 in Para State. Under his direction staff of UFRA have supported the state government of Para in the development of strategies to manage the pandemic. The impact of these efforts is seen in the contrasting statistics for the progression of the virus in Para compared to Brazil as a whole. The benefit of this institutional capability is the thousands of lives saved.

This award recognises a graduate for their ongoing and significant contribution to their profession or society since graduating. Meet the shortlisted finalists:

• Sally Roberts - WINNER

Academic Award: BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies, Class of 2010
PG Dip Education/Nursing, Class of 2010 
Job Title: Chief Nursing Officer
Organisation: Black Country and West Birmingham CCG

Nomination by Nicola Hough:

I would like to nominate Sally Roberts for this Award for the work she has done and continues to do for the people of the Black Country. Sally has spent the majority of her 37-year NHS career in various provider, commissioner, and educational posts across the Black Country. Sally spent a significant part of this time in community settings as a District Nurse and a Community Practice Teacher. She has got over 10 years' experience of being an executive board nurse for local Clinical Commissioning Groups and has recently been appointed as the Chief Nursing Officer for the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for the Black Country. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sally quickly set up (in conjunction with Wolverhampton City Council) a drive through COVID-19 swabbing hub for Health and Nursing/Care Home staff as well as West Midlands Ambulance Service staff to enable staff, who had symptoms or who were isolating, to be tested for COVID-19. Sally also arranged for CCG staff to go out to test residents in nursing and care homes. Sally is also the Senior Responsible Officer for the System COVID-19 Vaccine response across the Black Country and has been instrumental in setting up the vaccination hubs.

• Cllr Claire Darke

Academic Award: BA (Hons) English, Class of 1992
Job Title: Local Councillor, Park Ward
Organisation: City of Wolverhampton Council

Nomination by Clare Dickens MBE:

Claire has been a City Councillor for over 12 years (various roles of Cabinet Member for Health, Education and Equalities Champion), all while working as a PA to disabled people. Additionally, Claire's political leadership skills culminated in her becoming the 2 Year (usually only 1) Covid Period Mayor for the City of Wolverhampton. Claire was only the 10th female Mayor and became the longest serving female Mayor of the City. Claire has challenged the status quo and fought for the City and People pf Wolverhampton throughout her career (even though originally from Woking in Surrey but living in Wolverhampton since 1985). Claire has spent her entire period in Wolverhampton advocating for the University of Wolverhampton as the key to the City and its citizens success. Finally, as Mayor, during a traumatic period for the City, her Mayoral Campaign was in support of Suicide Prevention and the creation of the Mayoral Alumni Scholarship Fund to support students at the University from Wolverhampton. Claire advocates for the University, its alumni, and its services (such as the Arena Theatre: instrumental in a Blue Plaque for a diversity lead).

• Michael Cumming

Academic Award: BA (Hons) Fine Art, Class of 1985
Job Title: TV and Film Director

Nomination by Dr Pritpal Sembi:

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a graduate for their ongoing and significant contribution to their profession or society since graduating. Michael has not stood still since graduating, and this remains the case after receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Arts from the University in 2017. His career profile pre-2017 has already been well documented by us prior to his Honorary Award. This includes directing the documentary 'King Rocker' featuring the Nightingales and Stewart Lee as well as a new series of 'Toast of Tinseltown' as a follow up series to the long running 'Toast of London'. Much of this was achieved during the challenging time of lockdown. Michael also helped the University to shape the vision of the new Screen School in the early stages and remained supportive throughout, visiting in person recently and remaining a keen advocate of our work and our trajectory.