Alumni awards
About the Alumni Awards
Recognising inspiring, ambitious and enterprising graduates from around the world, our award winners embody what it means to be part of the Herts community - thinking big, standing out and leading positive change across industry and society.
Learn more about our Alumni Award categories and meet our 2025 winners below.
Rising Star
Celebrating a graduate making bold, early career impact through fresh ideas, ambition and positive change within the last five years, our ‘Rising Star’ award winners are the ones to watch.
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WinnerDr Denis Mustafov
Researcher
Denis (BSc Biomedical Sciences, 2021 and PhD Molecular Biology, 2024) is a pioneering postdoctoral research fellow exploring paediatric brain malignancies and microRNAs at the University of California, driving advances that address clinical challenges and enhance cancer treatments for children globally.
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Highly CommendedLisa Daniels
Nurse
As a Ghanaian British woman with visible and invisible disabilities and neurodiversity, Lisa (BSc Adult Nursing, 2017) overcomes significant challenges to excel in healthcare. She drives inclusion and diversity in the NHS through her platform You2CanNurse, empowering others to pursue nursing careers.
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Highly CommendedSuman Gujrul
Artist
Suman (MA Fine Art, 2018) is a celebrated and innovative interdisciplinary artist and poet. Suman launched Hertfordshire’s first South Asian Poetry Festival, providing a platform for stories from the South Asian Diaspora on a local, national and international level.
Outstanding Achievement
Our Outstanding Achievement award honours a graduate whose remarkable and sustained contributions are shaping their field and strengthening society in meaningful and lasting ways.
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WinnerZainab Alema
Rugby Player
Rugby player Zainab ‘The Bulldozer’ (BSc Nursing, 2014) is paving the way for Black and Muslim women in sport. She made history as the first to play Premiership Women’s Rugby in a hijab and founded charitable project Studs in the Mud, supporting grassroots rugby in Ghana.
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Highly CommendedHarry Woodgate
Author and Illustrator
Award winning author and illustrator Harry (BA (Hons) Illustration, 2019) champions diversity and social change through storytelling. Their acclaimed works inspire inclusivity, creativity, and representation, making them a trailblazer in children’s literature.
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Highly CommendedProfessor Anna Cox
University Professor
Anna (BSc (Hons) Cognitive Science and PhD, 2002) is a global authority on human computer interaction. Her research shows how digital technologies influence workplace productivity and recovery from work stress, and she designs tools that help people use technology to support mental well being.
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Highly CommendedPriyanga Sajeewanie Perera Galhena Gamage
Teacher
Internationally trained chemistry teacher Priyanga (MA Education, 2024) has transformed science education in Sri Lanka, influencing national policies. As a curriculum developer, researcher, and teacher trainer, Priyanga inspires a love of learning in pupils.
2025 Spotlight: Business Innovation Award
Celebrating a graduate who is redefining what’s possible through bold ideas and enterprising leadership, our Business Innovation Award winners are the changemakers transforming their organisations and industries.
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WinnerNohman Sultan Ahmed
Business Founder
Global entrepreneur Nohman (BSc (Hons) Aerospace Technology with Management, 2009) is the Co-founder and CEO of sneaker care brand Crep Protect. With innovative products, rapid growth and celebrity backing, Crep Protect is an international best seller sold in 20,000+ stores across 100+ countries.
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Highly CommendedHeraldas Gaspariunas
Chief Operations Officer
Heraldas (BA (Hons) International Business, 2020) is Co‑founder of MedTech startup Reneural, based in the University’s incubation hub. He has secured major funding and NHS partnerships to grow his company: a VR platform enhancing stroke recovery through data‑driven therapy for home and hospital use.
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Highly CommendedHamid Ibrahim
Animator
Emmy nominated Hamid (BA (Hons) 3D Modelling and Animation, 2017) is a multitalented Creative Executive, Co-founder and CEO of Kugali Media. Drawing on his African heritage, he co created Disney’s sci fi series Iwájú and other projects, and shares his expertise as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Herts.
Alumni Ambassador of the Year
Celebrating a graduate who gives back wholeheartedly to the Herts community through their time, insight and encouragement, our Alumni Ambassador of the Year award winners inspire and empower current students and fellow alumni alike.
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WinnerChris Parker
Sound Production Manager
Chris (BSc 2015 and MSc Music and Sound Technology, 2017) stays closely connected to Herts, regularly mentoring students, joining career events and supporting masterclasses and workplace experiences. Alongside this, he tours as production manager for the Sugababes.
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Highly CommendedGloria Sikapite
Research Nurse
Gloria (BSc Nursing, 2021) stays closely connected to Herts, sharing her journey on camera and supporting University filming at her NHS Trust. A dedicated research nurse, she stepped into a hospital role at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, inspiring future nurses.
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Highly CommendedKim Everitt
Transport Systems Engineer
Transport Systems Engineer Kim (BEng Automotive Engineering with Motorsport, 2018) is breaking stereotypes. A strong advocate and role model for students pursuing careers in STEM, Kim leads campaigns, speaks to students, and promotes Herts through her social media channels.
FAQs
Nominees must have completed a full award qualification (such as a BA (Hons), MSc or PhD) from the University of Hertfordshire or an affiliated institution. Our Alumni Relations team verifies eligibility before shortlisting.
Alumni Awards will open for the next round of nominations later this year.
No – we notify every nominee and give them the option to opt out of shortlisting, so we’re unable to accept posthumous award nominations.
Yes – we keep your details anonymous, although we may use extracts from your nomination to support the judges’ selection.
Yes – you can nominate someone in all the relevant categories, but please only submit a graduate once per category, multiples of the same nomination won’t be taken forward.
If you need more information or to make a change, please contact the Alumni team.
The panel consists of student union, academic, and professional staff from across the University, many of whom are also Herts graduates.
The judging panel reviews each entry and makes its final decision based on the evidence and examples presented.
We notify the finalists by email once the judging panel has met and agreed their final decisions.
We publicly announce our winners and those highly commended at the awards event.
Winners receive Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Award recognition in university communications, a trophy, and an invitation to a prize winners' celebration. There is no cash prize.