Celebrating the leaders, trailblazers and changemakers: Meet our 2025 Alumni Achievement Awards winners

This year’s awards took place on Wednesday 16 October with the stunning backdrop of The Alchemist, Media City. Hosted by our Chancellor Lucy Meacock and PVC Dean of the School of Health and Society Professor Vicky Halliwell, the room was filled with inspiring individuals who contribute vastly to society and fly the flag for Salford while doing so.

Speaking at the event, Chancellor Lucy Meacock said: “Collaboration with industry, social mobility, social justice — those values run through everything we do as a University. And, as we’ll see today, they run through your stories too.

“Whether you’re breaking ground in sustainability, tackling social challenges, driving innovation, or leading in health and wellbeing, you’re carrying those values with you.”

PVC Dean of the School of Health and Society Professor Vicky Halliwell added: “These awards are one of the highlights of our year. They’re our chance to celebrate the talent, generosity, and Salford spirit that shines through in everything our graduates do."

Our alumni play a vital role in shaping the student experience, supporting employability, and acting as inspiring role models for our community. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and the positive change they continue to create locally, nationally and globally.

Volunteer of the Year winner Suzanne Robinson, who graduated from with a BSc Finance & Accounting in 2001, said: “I am incredibly grateful to receive this Award. The University saw something in me and recognised that I had a real commitment and wanted to succeed.

"Not only did they support me in academic success, but they also recognised my values and guided me towards a career in healthcare. I wanted to give something back, and now I speak to students and encourage them to take up a career in NHS Finance.”

Chief Executive of We Are Survivors Duncan Craig OBE won the Alumni Excellence Award: Champion in Health and Wellbeing and graduated in 2007 with a CertHE Counselling.

He said: “My life journey started in Salford. The support and challenge I got from teachers here and lecturers pushed me on. (We Are Survivors) are now the largest male survivor organisation in the UK. We’re based in Salford, and I also now lecture at the University. This is lovely, thank you so much, I’ll really treasure it.”

Congratulations to all winners and thanks to our hardworking Philanthropy, Alumni & Supporter Engagement team who helped to make it all happen.

Visit our Awards page for a list of Highly Commended: Alumni Achievement Award Winners 2025 | University of Salford