2012 Winner
Details about the 2012 recipient of the award
Alumnus of the Year 2012: Commander Sarah West, HM Royal Navy
The Alumnus of the Year 2012 is has been announced: the winner is Sarah West.
Sarah, who was awarded a First Class BSc (Hons) Mathematics degree in 1993, joined the Royal Navy in 1995 - 2 years after leaving the University.
An illustrious career
In the 16 years since then, Sarah has served in a variety of HM ships and in various theatres. She has also recently been promoted to the rank of Commander.
In April 2012, Sarah took command of the Duke class Type 23 warship HMS Portland - the first woman in the Royal Navy to take command of a major warship.
The assessment sub-committee believes that Commander Sarah West RN sets a very inspirational example for her career, outstanding contributions and achievements in the Royal Navy for all University of Hertfordshire students, staff and alumni to follow.
Highly commended
The assessment sub-committee placed Professor Arne Erik Holdo, who obtained a BSc(Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering in 1974 and a Ph.D in Industrial Aerodynamics in 1979, in the Highly Commended category.
In his distinguished academic career, Arne Holdo has held many positions of responsibility such as the senior scientist in charge of design and construction of Norway's largest wind tunnel.
Arne’s distinguished academic career and outstanding achievements very clearly demonstrate to University of Hertfordshire students what can be achieved and he thoroughly deserves being placed in the Highly Commended category.
Also shortlisted
Other shortlisted alumni for the award include James Pateman who graduated from the University in 2010 with a BSc(Hons) Management Science with Digital Media Technology and Sally Boor who finished her BSc(Hons) in Paramedic Science in 2007.
