Alumni Hall of Fame

Class of 2024

Claire Darke

Former Mayor of Wolverhampton

Claire is a passionate campaigner and Councillor who saw the investment of 2 million pounds for improving schools and approved the creation of the Wolverhampton Learning Quarter.

She continued her dedication to education by setting up the Alumni Mayoral Scholarship at the University of Wolverhampton, which by 2022 had raised over 10,000 pounds.

She secured Wolverhampton’s induction into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, opening the doors to increased funding and international cooperation opportunities while further enhancing the educational landscape of the city.

She is a fierce advocate for disability rights, and her Wolves in Wolves public art initiative celebrated local heritage and raised 30,000 pounds for disability charities.

Also, she saw the establishment of the Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Forum & spearheaded a campaign with the School of Nursing and Public Housing Sector for vulnerable groups at a higher risk of suicide.

As the longest continuously serving female Mayor of Wolverhampton, a councillor, an alumna and a Wulfrunian, this person’s dedication to the University and to her city will be felt for generations to come.