Alumni
YOUR STORIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Your wins
Celebrating the recent successes of Sheffield's incredible alumni community
Your wins
Celebrating the recent successes of Sheffield's incredible alumni community
King's honours
Sheffield alumni recently recognised by His Majesty King Charles III.
Neil Andrew Eastwood MBE
Neil Andrew Eastwood MBE
Dame Professor Melanie Jane Davies DBE CBE
Dame Professor Melanie Jane Davies DBE CBE
Dame Susanna Justine McGibbon DCB KC
Dame Susanna Justine McGibbon DCB KC
Valerie Ann Mills MBE
Valerie Ann Mills MBE
DCB (Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath)
Dame Susanna Justine McGibbon DCB KC (Hon) (LLB Law 1989) recognised for her services to public service.
DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire)
Dame Professor Melanie Jane Davies DBE CBE (MBCHB Clinical Medicine 1985) recognised for her services to Global Diabetes, Research, Policy and Care Management.
OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire)
Celia Richardson OBE (BA English Literature 1994) recognised for her services to Conservation.
MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire)
Neil Andrew Eastwood MBE (Business Administration MBA 1993) recognised for his services to Adults and Children’s Social Care.
Valerie Ann Mills MBE (PG DIP Information Technology 1998) recognised for her services to the Barnsley community.
Diana Springall MBE (Hon LittD 2025) recognised for her services to Arts and Crafts.
Notes and news
Recent achievements of Sheffield alumni, by decade of graduation.
1970s
Jeffrey House (BA Economics 1972) has published two new chapters to the Kindle version of his book ‘The Cider King - How I Aced It’, detailing the troubled after-story of selling his company Ace Cider in 2023.
1980s
Professor Christopher Cowton FAcSS (BA Accounting and Financial Management 1980, PhD Management 2000) has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.
Susan Bird (BA French 1982) has founded Mbedza Belgium, a charity aiming to reduce poverty in Malawi.
Dr Stephen Daldry CBE (BA English Literature 1982, Hon LittD 2001) directed the Olivier Award-winning ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’, which is now showing in London and Broadway.
1990s
Professor Martin Broadley (BSc Ecology 1993) has been awarded the 2026 Rank Prize for Nutrition for his pioneering work using elemental profiling to improve soil and crop quality.
Dr Mark Day (BA History & Philosophy 1996, Phd Philosophy 2003) has co-founded FedDSP, a Sheffield-based music software company already working with some of the biggest names in music worldwide.
Dan Walker
Dan Walker
Dan Walker (BA History 1998, MA Journalism Studies 1999 and Hon LittD 2019) has presented ‘Dead Man Walking: Dan Walker on Death Row’,a documentary exploring the reality of capital punishment in the US.
Professor Colin Bailey CBE (BA Civil and Structural Engineering 1992, PhD Civil and Structural Engineering 1995) has been recognised in the Social Mobility List 2026 by ‘Making the Leap’.
Professor Mark Christian (PhD Sociological Studies 1997) has been honoured with the Fannie Lou Hamer and Kwame Nkrumah Award for Academic Leadership and Service in the African World by the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS) at its 50th Anniversary Conference.
2000s
Patrice Lawrence MBE (MA Creative Writing 2001) has been appointed the Waterstones Children's Laureate.
Ilan Bass (BA East Asian Studies 2005) has been appointed Rotary Peace Fellow at the International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo, Japan.
Hannah Persaud (BA French & Music 2006) has been awarded the 2025 Churchill Fellowship.
Poppy Gustafsson CBE
Poppy Gustafsson CBE
Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE (BSC Mathematics 2003, Hon DSc 2022) has been appointed as a member of the Royal United Services Institute’s (RUSI) Board of Trustees.
Paul Williams (BA Hispanic & Business Studies 2007) has been appointed as Global Head of Sustainable Procurement and Chief of Staff at Deutsche Bank.
Andrew Lofthouse (BA Accounting and Financial Management & Business Studies 2003) has been honoured with multiple awards this year as founder and CEO of his business The Northern Wine Guy, including Wine Tasting Event of the Year by Corporate LiveWire and two awards from SME News.
Dr Antonia Dietmann (MSc Occupational Psychology 2003) has been recognised by the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology with their Award for Outstanding Contribution to Occupational Psychology. 2010s
Professor Matthew Flinders (PhD Politics 2000) has been awarded the Political Studies Association’s (PSA) Sir Isaiah Berlin Prize 2026.
2010s
Dr Randa Hariri (PhD Education 2016) has been awarded the Leadership & Advocacy Award at the 35th World Education Summit.
Khadija El-Bedweihy
Khadija El-Bedweihy
Dr Khadija El-Bedweihy (PhD Computer Science 2014) has been honoured with the prestigious British Council Study UK Business and Innovation Award for Egypt (2026).
Murtaza Najabat Ali
Murtaza Najabat Ali
Dr Murtaza Najabat Ali (PhD Materials Science and Engineering 2012) has been honoured with the prestigious Business and Innovation Award at the British Council Study UK Awards Pakistan.
Alexandros Stamatiadis
Alexandros Stamatiadis
Dr Alexandros Stamatiadis (MA Cognitive Studies 2017, PhD Music 2022) has been honoured with the prestigious Business and Innovation Award at the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards Greece.
Helen Waddell (BA History 2014) has produced and directed ‘Catching my Stalker’, a true-crime documentary that premiered on Channel 4 this year.
Tendai Taruvinga
Tendai Taruvinga
Tendai Taruvinga (MArch Architecture 2016), founder and CEO of Veafy, an online plant-based food company, has recently been honoured with the Green Leader award at the West Midlands Leadership Awards 2026 and both Best Packaged Food and Best Newcomer at the Vegan Fairs 2025 Awards.
Dr Anggun Siswanto (PhD Chemical and Biological Engineering 2016) has been awarded the Theodore von Kármán Fellowship Award from RWTH Aachen University, Germany.
Dr Bashir Mohammed (MSc Advanced Control and Systems Engineering 2011) has been honoured with the prestigious Science and Sustainability Award at the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards United States.
Arjun Krishna (MSc Biological and Bioprocess Engineering 2013) has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Business and Innovation Global Award at the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards.
Tianrun Yang (MSc International Management and Marketing 2016) ranked among the top 30 global contributors to OpenClaw, a leading open-source AI development framework with over 190,000 GitHub stars.
2020s
Denisse Pasco Ku (MEng Aerospace Engineering 2025) has been honoured with the Norbert Edward Rowe (NE Rowe) Award from the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Dr Laura Dean (PhD EdD Higher Education 2020) has been recognised by the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology with their Experienced Award 2025.
University recognition
Awards presented to alumni for their outstanding achievements and generous contributions to University life.
Honorary degree
Professor Geoffrey Garnett (BSc Zoology 1986, PhD 1991, HonMD 2026)
From his early studies at Sheffield to becoming a transformative force in global health, Professor Garnett has dedicated his career to the strategic control of infectious diseases.
As a world-renowned expert in epidemiological modelling, he pioneered the use of mathematical data to predict and prevent the spread of illness, providing the essential framework for life-saving public health interventions.
Most notably, his work has shaped the global efficacy of HIV prevention strategies, creating a vital bridge between scientific innovation and international policy. His distinguished career ensures that complex research is translated into practical, life-changing action on a worldwide scale.
Who gets them?
Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals of significant national or international standing who have reached a genuine level of distinction in their field.
Benefactors Award
Dr Ann Cairns (BSc Mathematics 1978, HonLittD 2018)
During the July graduation ceremonies, we were proud to honour Dr Ann Cairns and her husband, Jim, whose kindness has shaped both the student experience and the future of medical research at Sheffield.
Together they have funded more than 60 Cairns Scholarships to help students in financial need. Their most recent gift of £500,000 is set to make a transformative difference to MND and multiple sclerosis research at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). They have also pledged a further very generous gift to support Access to Sheffield summer schools in 2027, to help young people aged 16 aspire to and achieve a place at university. Their giving to the University has now reached £1 million.
Beyond her philanthropy, Ann continues to inspire the Sheffield community as a dedicated volunteer. By sharing her global leadership expertise through initiatives such as The Boardroom, she ensures the next generation of Sheffield graduates is prepared to lead with the same vision and values she has demonstrated throughout her remarkable career.
Who gets them?
The Benefactors Award is the University’s highest recognition for donors whose transformational support has advanced our mission and strengthened our community.
Alumni Volunteers of the Year
Misa Okumura (BMus Music 2008)
Living thousands of miles away, Misa Okumura ensures that Sheffield remains at the heart of her community in Japan.
Since taking on the role of Japan Alumni Group lead in 2025, Misa has been a catalyst for the group’s continued growth, supporting a thriving network of over 220 members. Her dedication to keeping the community active has seen her coordinate six successful events across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Most notably, she curated a special visit to the Osaka Expo in September 2025, where alumni gathered for a private afternoon tea.
For her exceptional energy and commitment to keeping our global community connected, we are proud to name her our International Alumni Volunteer of the Year.
Jason Spencer (BA Philosophy 1995)
Since 2024, Jason Spencer has been a champion for student success. As a member of the Arts & Humanities Employer Advisory Board, he provides real-life business insight that shapes how we prepare students for the world of work.
From delivering high-impact sessions through The Boardroom, our leadership masterclass series hosted by globally leading alumni, to sharing his career journey at networking events, Jason’s mentorship has boosted the confidence of countless students.
We are delighted to present him with this award in recognition of his commitment to the next generation of Sheffield graduates.
Who gets them?
These awards recognise alumni who have gone above and beyond in their volunteering activity, marking their deeply valued contributions to the University and their impact on students and fellow alumni.
Professor Geoffrey Garnett
Professor Geoffrey Garnett
Dr Ann and Jim Cairns
Dr Ann and Jim Cairns
Misa Okumura
Misa Okumura
Jason Spencer
Jason Spencer
Alumni in profile
Khadija and James' fascinating stories
Alumni in profile
Khadija and James' fascinating stories
Dr Khadija El-Bedweihy
PhD Computer Science 2014
As founder and CEO of PraxiLabs, and the winner of British Council Study UK Business and Innovation Award for Egypt (2026), Cartier Women’s Initiative (2023), and the Africa Business Heroes competition (2021), Khadija El-Bedweihy is gaining global recognition. She leads a fast-growing team driven by a shared vision to transform science education through immersive virtual lab experiences.
Reflecting on her early days during her PhD, she recalls a moment of profound self-doubt that ultimately reshaped her path. “When I first arrived I felt a great shock. I was top of my class back in Egypt, and graduated with the highest GPA ever, but now I felt as if I knew nothing compared to everyone around me completing their PhD.”
Rather than stepping back, Khadija leaned in. “I was raised not to give up, I started questioning everything to find solutions. I realised after some time I started to learn like everyone else, and adapted to the system.”
It was at Sheffield that the idea for PraxiLabs began to take shape. Khadija had witnessed students, both at home in Egypt and in the UK, were struggling to find enough time to practice inside labs. Today, more than 2.5 million students around the world are accessing quality science education through PraxiLabs.
“It wasn’t about me. It is never about us. Students from the Global South are as capable and as committed as their peers from the Global North, but there is a lack of resources.”
“It feels like my Sheffield research has come full circle.”
Khadija El-Bedweihy is a leading figure in digital science education
Khadija El-Bedweihy is a leading figure in digital science education
"That spirit of 'we’re in this together' - that’s what I remember most about Sheffield."
"That spirit of 'we’re in this together' - that’s what I remember most about Sheffield."
Crucially, PraxiLabs is built on the same principles Khadija developed during her PhD. “We’re not just providing content, we’re applying the human-computer interaction principles I studied at Sheffield. Every design decision in PraxiLabs is rooted in understanding how learners interact with technology, how to reduce cognitive load, and how to make complex science accessible.”
Her leadership journey has been equally shaped by those early experiences. “Being the youngest student (and research assistant) studying towards my PhD was intimidating. That experience gave me the confidence to step into rooms where I was often the youngest person, the only woman, the only Hijabi, or the only person from my region.”
Khadija credits Sheffield with fundamentally changing how she thinks about innovation. From late nights in the lab to lifelong friendships, her memories of Sheffield remain central to her story.
“It’s the same culture I’ve tried to build at PraxiLabs: brilliant people from different backgrounds, united by a shared mission, supporting each other to do their best work.”
James Hope-Gill
BA Geography 1991
Elected to the British Olympic Association (BOA) Board in November 2025, James Hope-Gill now represents sport at the highest level of the UK Olympic movement. From leading Skateboard GB through its historic Olympic debut to his decades of work in grassroots football, his career reflects a consistent commitment to using sport as a catalyst for social change.
Having built his career in the city, Sheffield’s rich sporting history remains a powerful backdrop to his work. From involvement in Euro 96 to the FIFA 2018 World Cup bid, James has seen firsthand the impact of the city’s sporting heart.
“Sheffield is the home of the world’s oldest football club and has a long-standing commitment to sport at every level. I’m always thinking about how sport can create a positive impact beyond performance, whether that’s through participation, wellbeing or community development.”
“I look back very fondly at my time at the University, which certainly shaped both my thinking and my values,” James reflects.
“Studying geography gave me the ability to understand complex systems and make informed decisions, while my involvement in playing hockey helped develop my leadership, teamwork, and sense of purpose.”
This combination of analytical thinking and practical teamwork proved formative, giving him the interpersonal skills needed to lead national sporting organisations.
“My student experiences certainly shaped who I am today. They are a big part of why I’ve stayed and settled in Sheffield; it’s where I found my people, my work, and my sport.”
James Hope Gill is passionate about making sport inclusive and acccessible for the next generation
James Hope Gill is passionate about making sport inclusive and acccessible for the next generation
“Sheffield’s sporting heritage has had a huge influence on me. I’ve seen how powerful sport can be in bringing people together.”
“Sheffield’s sporting heritage has had a huge influence on me. I’ve seen how powerful sport can be in bringing people together.”
Now operating at the forefront of UK sport, James is helping to shape the future of skateboarding, one of the newest and fastest-growing Olympic disciplines.
“As CEO of Skateboard GB, I’ve seen how quickly the sport has grown in profile since becoming an Olympic sport. My recent appointment to the Board of The BOA is about guiding that growth in a way that stays true to the culture while building sustainable pathways for athletes.”
Central to his leadership is what James describes as a distinctly Sheffield perspective — one that values inclusivity and making the most of opportunities. His background in grassroots sports, community work, fundraising, and as an ambassador for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity reinforced the importance of creating accessible paths for young people from all backgrounds.
Looking back, it is the personal connections that stand out most from his time at the University. From forming lifelong friendships to meeting his wife, James believes the people are what truly make the city tick.
Have you got an inspiring story to tell?
Short on time, big on impact. Whether your journey from graduation to now has been a straight line or a series of unexpected turns, your experience is exactly what our students need to hear as they prepare to enter the world of work.
10,000 connections
International alumni groups reach milestone membership
10,000 connections
International alumni groups reach milestone membership
Sheffield's international alumni community has hit a major milestone, with over 10,000 graduates now connecting with each other in 42 groups across 30+ countries.
Following the 2025 launch of nine new groups, this network serves as a vital hub for social and professional growth. Led by dedicated alumni volunteers, the groups foster deep connections between Sheffield graduates, wherever they are in the world.
“I believe in the power of alumni networks to create opportunity and belonging, wherever in the world we may have come from to where we are now.”
International highlights
- In China, large-scale receptions have bolstered the University’s international reputation, while groups in Japan and Indonesia have grown substantially.
- In Hong Kong and the United States, groups build on decades of engagement to drive philanthropy-focused initiatives supporting vital research.
- Meanwhile, alumni in Taiwan, India, and Malaysia are instrumental in supporting prospective students choosing to study at Sheffield.
Whether it’s the 2,600-member Alumni Association in Shanghai or the thriving alumni community in Sydney, these groups ensure the Sheffield spirit thrives far beyond South Yorkshire.
Taking Sheffield to China
Events to reconnect with the 40,000-strong Chinese alumni community
Taking Sheffield to China
Events to reconnect with the 40,000-strong Chinese alumni community
The University of Sheffield recently reconnected with its alumni community in China through a series of large-scale events across Chengdu, Shanghai, and Beijing. Bringing together over 1,000 graduates, alumni, offer holders, and guests, the event series featured formal graduation celebrations and networking receptions with employability-focused panel discussions.
The events provided an opportunity to celebrate Sheffield’s return to the Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings, an accomplishment that reflects the outstanding achievements of Sheffield’s global community of staff, students, and alumni.
Starting strong in Chengdu
Industry insiders sharing their expertise in Chengdu
Industry insiders sharing their expertise in Chengdu
The festivities kicked off in Chengdu with a reception hosted by Vice-President of Global Engagement, Dan Barcroft, and emceed by Western China Alumni Association President, Yueping Tu.
A central highlight was a panel discussion entitled Navigating Your Career in China, giving attendees the opportunity to hear from industry experts with practical guidance on navigating the domestic job market, giving returnees advice for their next steps.
Following the discussion, three graduates took to the stage to share personal memories of their time in South Yorkshire — from late-night study sessions in the library to weekend walks through the Peak District — reminding attendees of the shared experiences that tie the community together.
Historic celebrations in Shanghai and Beijing
Recent graduates celebrate their Sheffield success with family and friends in Shanghai
Recent graduates celebrate their Sheffield success with family and friends in Shanghai
The momentum then built as President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Koen Lamberts, travelled to Beijing and Shanghai to host formal graduation celebration events. Over 180 graduates walked across the stage in front of proud family and friends at the Shanghai Tower and the InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun.
Large-scale receptions followed each ceremony, together drawing over 800 guests. Emceed by Eastern China Alumni Association President Eric Yu in Shanghai and Northern China Alumni Association President Frances Zhu in Beijing, both events featured career panels with distinguished alumni working at major global firms, including Jaguar Land Rover, Lenovo, and TechNode.com.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Koen Lamberts, with a proud graduate in Beijing
Vice Chancellor, Professor Koen Lamberts, with a proud graduate in Beijing
"It was a privilege to meet so many graduates, future students and alumni in China. Seeing the pride of our graduates and their families, it was clear how much it meant to them that we were hosting graduation celebrations in their home country, and that they continue to feel a strong connection to Sheffield."
Throughout these receptions, alumni were able to connect directly with University leadership, reunite with old friends, and speak directly to future Sheffield students, providing them with real-world insight into life in Sheffield and the career paths open to them after graduation.
Though thousands of miles separate South Yorkshire from China, the warmth and scale of these gatherings proved that the Sheffield spirit truly knows no borders.
University reunions
Reconnecting old friends
University reunions
Reconnecting old friends
Graduation wasn’t the end of your Sheffield story, it was the beginning of a lifelong community. While we host global events annually, some of the most meaningful moments happen when you take the lead.
Here are just a few of the reunions we’ve helped our alumni bring to life this year.
Engineering
“50 years after graduation seemed like a good time to get together. With some detective work we were able to track down more than 50% of our year, with nine able to attend the reunion travelling internationally. With the help of the University, we were able to put together a full day’s programme including a tour of the amazing engineering facilities.”
Steve Pollitt, BEng Chemical Engineering & Fuel Technology 1976
Architecture
“Nearly half our original cohort came together and, in spite of the nearly forty five years since many had last spoken, friendships were readily rekindled. Our busy weekend included a visit to the Arts Tower studios, a trip to see an award-winning project at the cathedral (designed by one of our group!) and an evening meal.”
Neil Smith, BA Architecture 1978
Geography
“With the amazing help of alumni staff, 10 of us (many of whom had not met each other for 47 years) congregated in Sheffield in July for a fantastic two days of shared memories, photos and embarrassing stories. It was a truly uplifting experience and we rolled back the years with ease.”
Martin Fittes, BSc Geography 1978
Japan meet-up
“I love to organise and attend alumni events simply because I love Sheffield Uni. It’s part of me and my history. Most importantly, I enjoy meeting fellow alumni. It’s like meeting my distant relatives!”
Misa Okumura, BMus Music 2008
Planning a reunion?
We’re here to help!
Whether in Sheffield or elsewhere, the Alumni Relations team at the University can help you get started.
- Course-mate finder: we can help you reconnect with lost friends and course mates.
- Venue advice: if you’re returning to campus, we can advise on venues, tours, and those all-important nostalgic photo opportunities.
- Spread the word: we can reach out to people on your behalf to invite them to your event.
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