GALLERY: Alumni Awards 2025

Published on 26 September 2025

The University of Liverpool was proud to celebrate the achievements of our alumni community at this year’s Alumni Awards.

The Awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate the outstanding talent, dedication and ambition that University of Liverpool graduates bring to our community, academic fields and beyond.

From hundreds of nominations, 20 graduates were recognised, celebrating their achievements in the company of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones, together with University staff and alumni.

On the night, guests were treated to a performance from composer and last year’s Alumni Awards winner Felix Hagan who performed music from his new album Happy Songs and musical Operation Mincemeat, which he co-wrote.

Meet the 2025 winners

India Sasha Atkinson - Disability educator and digital creator
(BA Hons Business Management 2022)

India has built a platform of over half a million followers by combining humour and authenticity to change perceptions of limb difference and empower others. Named a TikTok Ambassador and Voice for Change runner-up, she has partnered with major brands, featured on national broadcasters, and founded NI Rave Run, a community 5k blending accessibility, music and wellbeing while fundraising monthly for local charities.

On receiving the award, India said: “Receiving an Alumni Award means more than I could ever fully express. I never imagined that an educational organisation would see value in my voice, my work, or the paths I’ve taken. It makes me feel seen, appreciated, and genuinely proud.”

Philip Colligan CBE - CEO of educational charity Raspberry Pi Foundation
(LLB Hons 1997)

Philip leads a global charity dedicated to enabling young people to realise their potential through computing and digital technologies. A first-generation, mature student at the University, he went on to senior roles in the Civil Service and Nesta before transforming the reach and impact of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. He has championed equitable access to computing education, especially for disadvantaged learners, and was recognised with a CBE this year for services to engineering and technology for societal impact.

Philip said: “It’s an enormous honour to receive an Alumni Award. I joined as a mature student (aged 21) and had no idea what to expect. Studying at Liverpool genuinely changed the trajectory of my life. I made lifelong friendships, met my wife, and expanded my horizons in ways I had never imagined possible.”

David Dixon - Civil engineer and entrepreneur
(BEng Hons Civil Engineering 1963; MEng 1965)

A civil engineer and entrepreneur, David founded Village Water UK and later Village Water Zambia, organisations that have improved access to safe water and sanitation for more than 1.8 million people across Zambia and Mozambique. Alongside a successful property career, he devoted 17 years to building local partnerships that deliver sustainable change. A loyal supporter of Liverpool, this year marks the 60th anniversary of his MEng graduation.

David said: “I am really proud to have been chosen for this award, it means a great deal. I enjoyed the many facilities and clubs such as rowing in Birkenhead docks, ballroom dancing and social activities such as Panto Week whilst at the University.”

Megan Elphick - YouTuber, eventer and presenter
(BA Hons Geography 2019)

Megan’s family-friendly YouTube channel inspires riders with training insight, competition footage and honest reflections on the highs and lows of sport. She has placed top ten multiple times at Badminton Grassroots, worked with Olympic champions, and presented for Horse & Country TV and the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). As Liverpool BUCS Equestrian captain, she showed how academic success, and elite sport can thrive together.

Megan said: “Receiving this award genuinely means the world to me. While my career path may not follow a traditional route from my degree, it’s incredibly meaningful to be recognised for the work I’ve done since graduating. It feels like a full-circle moment, proof that the skills and values I developed at the University have shaped who I am today, even in ways I didn’t expect.”

Paul Stephen Growney - CEO of social care charity Caring Connections
(BSc Hons Psychology 2009)

Paul leads a Merseyside social care charity delivering over 20,000 hours of home care each month. After beginning his degree in chemistry then switching to psychology at the University, he discovered a vocation in mental health through volunteering with Samaritans. He has since led impactful third-sector programmes, founded the Barbara Bettle Foundation (10,000+ funded counselling sessions), served as an NHS non-executive director, and earned multiple awards for community impact and leadership.

Paul said: “I am deeply honoured to be part of the Alumni Awards. It fills me with pride to stand alongside other award recipients. Coming from a family in Liverpool and being the first to attend university, this moment is incredibly significant for both me and my family. Thank you.”

Yanqi He - Founder and CEO of Liveight Entertainment
(MA Music Industry Studies 2017)

Yanqi is the founder of Liveight Entertainment, creating pathways between the UK and Asian music markets through concerts, showcases and international tours. Her career includes roles with Sound City and Modern Sky, curating the UK’s first Chinese rapper showcase and producing cross-border collaborations. She champions diversity and underrepresented voices in the industry, building platforms that spotlight new talent and cultural exchange.

Yanqi said: “Receiving an Alumni Award is a deeply meaningful honour, not only as recognition of the work I’ve done to bridge cultures and build platforms for underrepresented voices, but also as a powerful reminder of how transformative my time at the University was in shaping that journey.”

Mohamed Walid Jomni - Climate technology and finance specialist
(MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 2023)

At the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Copenhagen Climate Centre, Mohamed supports technology transfer for low-carbon, climate-resilient development, contributing to the Climate Technology Progress Report and capacity-building initiatives. Formerly Tunisia’s Lead Negotiator on Climate Finance at COP26–28, he helped establish the Loss and Damage Fund and advocates for equitable access to climate finance. He trains young negotiators globally, advancing meaningful youth leadership in climate governance.

Mohamed said: “Receiving an Alumni Award is incredibly meaningful to me not just as a personal milestone, but as a recognition of a journey that started at the University and has taken me into global spaces of climate action, innovation, and youth leadership.”

Professor June Kane A.M. - UN Independent Expert
(BA Hons French 1972; PhD 1977)

June is an internationally respected UN Independent Expert specialising in modern slavery and the exploitation of children and women. Moving from teaching and journalism to senior roles with the International Red Cross and the UN, she has authored 46 books and reports and advised globally from Geneva to the field. Honoured with the Order of Australia (2007) and the Albert Schweitzer Medal (1992), she also mentors professionals and emerging leaders worldwide.

June said: “The University and City of Liverpool will always be my home, even if I live on the other side of the world in Australia. Knowing that Liverpool is proud of me and considers me worthy of recognition is absolutely wonderful and means the world to me. Our time on this earth is short and I have tried to make a difference in the lives of people who have no voice and whose lives are a daily struggle. To me the Alumni Award is my university saying ‘thank you - we are proud of you’.”

Sir Andy Marsh QPM - UK’s longest-serving Chief Constable and now CEO and Chief Constable at the College of Policing
(BSc Hons Geography 1987)

The UK’s longest-serving Chief Constable and now CEO and Chief Constable at the College of Policing, Sir Andy has led national and international reform. He pioneered the rollout of body-worn cameras to all frontline officers and launched the refreshed Code of Ethics (2022), strengthening trust and accountability. His evidence-led leadership has shaped modern, ethical policing in the UK and beyond.

Andy said: “I was very proud to secure a place at the University, notable because of my family connections in the University and city. It is a great honour amongst its many distinguished alumni to be recognised in this way. My degree helped me become a data driven, evidence based problem solver and I have applied this strategically and operationally within policing so it’s a chance also to thank the University for the role it played in any success I have had.”

Milo McCabe - Comedian and creator of viral character Troy Hawke.
(BA Hons Psychology 1998)

An actor and comedian, Milo created viral character Troy Hawke and the hit series The Greeters Guild, building a devoted following with sharp improvisation and warmth. A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe and international festivals, he also serves as an ambassador for An Hour For Others, supporting Liverpool communities and opening the charity’s Huyton base in character as Troy.

Milo said: “Absolutely delighted. Loved my time at the uni.”

Sean McHale - Director of Programmes at Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI)
(LLB Hons 2003)

Sean’s career spans local justice in Merseyside and international rule-of-law missions. In Kosovo he supported complex organised crime and war-crimes cases before leading justice reform with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE); in Libya he strengthened criminal justice institutions with the EU. As Director of Programmes at Irish Rule of Law International, he now advances survivor-centred justice in Tanzania, anti-corruption work in Zambia, and access to justice in Malawi.

Sean said: “It is incredibly gratifying to think that my work is worthy of this recognition. My time at the University was so special to me, which makes this award all the more special as a result.”

Professor Michelle McManus - Developer of UK safeguarding frameworks and co-founder of Institute of Children's Futures
(MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology 2009; PhD Psychology 2012)

Michelle co-created KIRAT (Kent Internet Risk Assessment Tool), used internationally to help prioritise indecent-image offenders most likely to commit contact sexual abuse, protecting thousands of children and shaping Home Office policy. She has driven UK safeguarding frameworks, advised Government and policing at the national level, and co-founded Manchester Metropolitan’s Institute for Children’s Futures, championing multi-agency, evidence-based responses to harm.

Michelle said: “I was completely shocked and humbled to have even been nominated, never mind selected as a winner. This area of work is hard so to be nominated and winning an award for continuing to push for change in my work is just wonderful! And will definitely keep me going for a fair few more years!”

Dr Stefano Mensa - Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and leader at STFC Hartree Centre
(PhD Chemistry 2020)

Based at Hartree Centre (part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council under UK Research and Innovation), Stefano leads programmes at the interface of AI, quantum and high-performance computing, delivering advances in drug discovery, materials and computational pathology. He heads the Emerge workstream in the £210 million Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation, partners with IBM Research and others, and was appointed Honorary Senior Research Fellow by the University for his contributions.

 Stefano said: “The University has played a central role in my life: it’s where I began my research career, built lasting friendships, and met my wife. To be recognised by the institution that shaped much of that journey is both meaningful and rewarding. I hope this recognition encourages others to explore the potential around them, and to see that sometimes, you don’t need to go far away to make a difference.”

Hannah Merchant - Digital and Engagement Manager at The PIE and advocate for equity and inclusion
(BA Hons English Literature 2022)

Hannah is Digital and Engagement Manager at The PIE. Formerly at Universities UK International, she led global research delegations and helped rebuild partnerships. A strong advocate for equity and inclusion, she mentors with IntoUniversity, volunteers with Refugee Community Kitchen, and previously with Refugee Women Connect. Honoured with the Equality+ Gender Equality Award from the University last year, she also received the British Red Cross’s highest humanitarian award.

Hannah said: “This award inspires me to continue uplifting others, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, by mentoring young people through the charity IntoUniversity and volunteering locally to support vulnerable communities. It serves as a powerful reminder that the doors opened for me must be held open for those who follow.”

Enoch Opare Mintah - Sustainability scholar, consultant, and social entrepreneur
(MBA 2022)

Awarded the UK Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award during his MBA, he now holds a PhD scholarship in governance and sustainability. Founder of Study Sustainability Hub, Sustainability News Africa, and the Leaps and Heights Foundation, Enoch also serves as ESG Advisory Lead at Leaps and Heights Service Limited-UK, advancing sustainability education and impact across Africa.

Enoch said: “For me, earning a full tuition scholarship for my MBA studies was not only an investment by the University in my education, but it was also a chance to translate that investment into social and environmental impact. This award is not only about the recognition, though I am eternally grateful for it, but also serves as my return-on-investment receipt to the University for the many responsible business values and principles instilled in me.”

Suzannah Nichol OBE - CEO of Build UK
(BA Hons Building Management and Technology 1993)

Suzannah has spent over 30 years shaping the UK construction landscape. She led the merger that formed Build UK in 2015, delivered industry standards like the Common Assessment Standard, and steered the sector through the pandemic with Site Operating Procedures. A member of key Government and industry bodies, she holds an MBE (2005) and OBE (2024) for services to construction.

Suzannah said: “It is an absolute honour to be recognised by the University, which gave me a fantastic higher education experience and set me off on my career path which has led me to where I am today. I have such good memories of my time as a student and am very proud to be an alumna.”

Hannah O’Neill - Head of Philanthropy at Action Tutoring
(BA Hons Criminology and Sociology 2016)

Hannah is Head of Philanthropy at Action Tutoring, leading fundraising and partnerships for the national education charity. Over eight years she has progressed from Programme Coordinator to senior leadership, securing transformational funding, including £1.5 million partnerships. Named a WeAreTheCity Rising Star in 2021, Hannah also volunteers as a tutor and mentor, and fundraises for causes including Autism Together and Ukrainian charity Svitlo School.

Hannah said: “To be honoured by this award from such a prestigious institution, in the context of Liverpool (my loved and most favourite place in the world) and alongside such other phenomenal alumni is such an honour. Working in the charity sector is tough, and working in fundraising makes it doubly tougher; you have to have thick-skin and broad shoulders to deal with the daily challenges, but it is always so worthwhile when you see the positive impact you’re enabling on the lives of the people or causes you serve.”

Professor Richard O C Oreffo FMedSci OBE - Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at the University of Southampton and founder of the Cowrie Scholarship Foundation
(BSc Hons Biochemistry 1983)

Richard is Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at the University of Southampton and co-founder of Renovos Biologics. A pioneer in skeletal stem cell research, his breakthroughs in bone regenerative medicine have treated over 30 patients and led to more than 350 publications and nine patents. Founder of The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation, he was awarded an OBE in 2025 for services to education equality and musculoskeletal science.

Richard said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive this award from the University, it was totally unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed my degree, friends made along the way and the undergraduate experience. I am grateful for my time at the University which, in many ways, provided the foundations for my research career in bone and regenerative medicine.”

Yemurai Rabvukwa - Senior Cybersecurity Associate and creator of STEM Babe
(BSc Hons Chemistry 2020)

Yemurai is a Senior Cybersecurity Associate and creator of STEM Babe, a platform inspiring over 76,000 followers to pursue tech careers. Recognised with the TechWomen100 Award and as a Black Tech Awards Rising Star finalist, she partners with global organisations to expand access to technology. A sought-after speaker, Yemurai delivers talks on cybersecurity, career pathways, and imposter syndrome, helping demystify tech for diverse audiences across the UK.

Yemurai said: “Receiving an Alumni Award feels like a full-circle moment. It honours not just where I’ve ended up, but where the journey began. At the University, I studied Chemistry, but my time there sparked far more than academic interest. Through study abroad experiences in Canada and China, I gained global perspective and lifelong confidence. I’ll never forget wandering the streets of Montreal or learning Mandarin at XJTLU—those memories still shape how I approach life and work.”

Dr Victoria Selwyn - Junior doctor and founder of charity, Headucate UK
(BSc Hons Physiology 2017)

Victoria is a junior doctor and passionate mental health advocate. She founded Headucate UK, a charity supporting student-led groups nationwide, which has won major grants and national awards, including the Diana Award. Featured by the BBC, Guardian and Times, she presents internationally on psychiatry. Beginning specialist training in 2025, Victoria combines clinical expertise with advocacy to challenge stigma and expand access to mental health support.

Victoria said: “My father passed away in August 2023, I miss him every day - he was my biggest cheerleader when it came to me pursuing my dreams of becoming a doctor. I have him in mind when accepting this award - he’d be so proud of me and would’ve wanted to share in the celebrations and excuse to come visit Liverpool again!”

2024 winners celebrating their awards this year

Felix Hagan - Composer and co-founder of theatre company SpitLip
(BA Popular Music 2010)

Since graduating from the University, Felix has gone on to form his theatre company, with which he wrote ‘Operation Mincemeat’, a musical based upon the true-life tale of a spy mission from the First World War. The musical won an Olivier Award for ‘Best New Musical’ this year.

Sharon Young MBE - Former Principal Project Engineer at Transport For London
(BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering 1997)

Sharon has spent the majority of her career working in the railway industry, including 22 years with Transport for London (TfL), finishing with Crossrail, before moving into the rail sector as a consultant with WSP.

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