University celebrates global impact at 2025 Alumni Awards

The University of Wolverhampton proudly honoured its most distinguished graduates at the 2025 Alumni Awards Ceremony, held in the Chancellor’s Hall on the City Campus. The event brought together alumni, staff, students, and guests from across the globe - including attendees from the UAE, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Spain - to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the University’s global alumni community.

Professor Prashant Pillai, Pro Vice-Chancellor, opened the evening with a heartfelt tribute to the power of education and the enduring legacy of Lord Swraj Paul, late Chancellor of the University who died in August this year. “Each story we celebrate this evening reminds us that our mission as a university extends well beyond our walls,” he said. “It lives on in you - our alumni - as you lead, innovate, and serve in ways that make a profound difference.”

The ceremony recognised excellence across a range of fields, from humanitarian work and healthcare to business innovation and professional achievement. The winners of the 2025 Alumni Awards are:

Distinguished Service Award – Rezwana Ahmed
Global alumni ambassador who flew from Bangladesh to support Summer Graduation, inspiring hundreds with her warmth and dedication.

Young Alumni of the Year – Dr Marvin Kopka
WHO adviser and digital health researcher improving global healthcare access through Artificial Intelligence and public health innovation.

Sporting Excellence Award – Lucy Renshall
International judoka and coach balancing elite competition with grassroots mentorship and education.

Business & Innovation Award – Dr Abhishek Gupta
Nanotech pioneer transforming wound care through global healthcare innovation and translational research.

Humanitarian of the Year Award – Dr Alvine Dongmo-Noumey
Empowers migrants and combats poverty through UK and Cameroon-based humanitarian foundations.

Changemaker Award – Dr Marcel do Nascimento Botelho
Amazonian leader driving climate justice, education access, and bioeconomy research across Brazil.

Professional Excellence Award UK – Victoria Hills
Built environment leader shaping national planning policy and global urban development.

Professional Excellence Award International – Ahmed Hassan Al Manqatiny
Agribusiness innovator enhancing food security and sustainability across the Middle East.

Professional Excellence Award in Healthcare – Maria Glover
Cardiac rehab leader revolutionising digital health and national cardiovascular care.

Professional Excellence Award in Law – Lauranne Middleton
Legal inspector and domestic abuse reformer advancing justice and victim support.

Alumni Honour for Lifetime Achievement – Dr Paul Darke
Disability rights pioneer transforming media, arts, and global cultural representation.

In addition, five exceptional alumni were inducted into the University’s prestigious Hall of Fame, Class of 2025:

• Anthony Marsh
• Adrian Hallmark
• Álvaro Moreno de la Santa
• Sandra Wallace CBE
• Angela Spence

Professor Pillai concluded, “To all the alumni, you are lifelong members of this community. You are our ambassadors - champions of our values, advocates of our mission, and examples of leadership and integrity.”

The evening was a powerful reminder of the University’s global reach and the transformative impact of its graduates. Congratulations to all nominees and winners.

Photo credit: Lensi Photography