Awards Ceremony celebrates inspirational and accomplished UWL alumni

Winners of the Alumni Awards 2023 standing with Peter John CBE in Pillars Restaurant.

Awards Ceremony celebrates inspirational and accomplished UWL alumni

5 May 2023

The UWL alumni community gathered at Pillars Restaurant for the annual Alumni Awards ceremony last week. Nominees were shortlisted across four categories and awarded a certificate, or a trophy for the winner, by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter John CBE.

The Recent Graduate Award saw trainee lawyer and energy campaigner Jade James, and mental health advocating accountant Sara Radi recognised, alongside Emmanuel Ebokosia, who won first prize. Emmanuel is enacting social change through music at his foundation True Cadence.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to UWL for recognising me for my contribution to music, youth work, and social entrepreneurship. None of this would’ve been possible without the amazing people that have supported me throughout my journey. I am deeply grateful for this honour.”

The Entrepreneur Award nominees included Alexander Liberatore, who helps musicians to promote their work, and Babatunde Ibitoye, whose law practices have helped many immigrants over the years. The overall winner was Fiona Berry, who runs her own nutritional retreats and has featured in The Guardian newspaper.

The Inspirational Alumni Award honoured several inspiring and accomplished alumni. The list included Andrew T. Mackay, film and theatre composer whose work on Life of Pi just opened on Broadway in New York; Martha Longdon, who has worked tirelessly to represent students and campaign on Education issues; Kadine Thompson, who works as both a social worker and hair and makeup designer for film sets; and winner Mark Dalauido, Ward Matron in Infection Prevention and Control, and a keen advocate of helping other Filipino nurses get a head start in their careers.

Finally, The Spirit of the Alumni Award went to Marketing Manager Daniel Nikolla, who is currently chairing the Chamber of Commerce’s Young People’s Network for the Midlands, and continuously dedicates time and energy to guiding, inspiring, and helping students across UWL through speaking engagements.

Nicola Conway, Head of Alumni and Development at UWL, said:

These awards are a highlight of our year. So many of our alumni are out in the world achieving fantastic things, and we always enjoy this opportunity to hear their stories and mark their accomplishments.”

Attendees were treated to a 20-minute set by London College of Music students, and a delicious buffet provided by the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism.

UWL’s alumni network spans the globe, connecting graduates, alumni, volunteers, supporters, staff and students. Find out more via the UWL alumni website.