Gary is a paramedic science graduate of LJMU with over two decades of experience in the ambulance service. He has now made the transition to become a full-time member of staff at the university, teaching the next generation of health professionals. In 2023 he was named as an Outstanding Teacher at the students’ union awards after being nominated by his students.
Jamie Christon is the Chief Executive of Chester Zoo and was chosen as one of 10 new honorary fellows during LJMU’s Bicentenary year. The honour reflects his work driving forward conservation at the zoo, preventing extinction in a changing world, and working collaboratively with organisations, partners, and visitors.
Zoe is passionate about people and celebrating diversity. Having witnessed the transformational power of education first-hand, through her mum’s own academic journey as a mature student, Zoe was herself encouraged to go to university and now works for Agent Academy helping people to gain real-world experience and make industry connections to secure amazing jobs.
Habi was born in the Gambia but spent most of her formative years in Germany before moving to the UK. She has overcome the obstacles and discrimination that she faced throughout her childhood and teenage years in Germany, to seek out her own opportunities, to educate herself and to work with others to challenge unconscious bias and promote inclusivity.
Eleanor is a pharmacy graduate now working in a community pharmacy in Liverpool. She attributes the ‘nurturing’ approach of her LJMU lecturers as key to shaping her and her colleagues into the professionals they are today. Pharmacists who can show their personality and vulnerabilities with their customers, to build a lasting rapport that creates excellent service for the community they serve.
Chris was born during the Second World War and only studied at university much later in life, like many of the mature students that choose to study with LJMU. He also had a late dyslexia diagnosis, making him realise he just had a different way of thinking and learning.
Nickianne worked at LJMU for just short of 30 years, teaching on and then leading the university’s Media and Cultural Studies provision. Sadly, she died in 2019 following a period of illness, leaving behind a multitude of memories and legacies for students and academics alike.
Rio Boothe is an LJMU student and a para-athlete. He competes in athletics with the Manchester Harriers and with the LJMU Athletics Team. He’s a real role model for others with disabilities and is striving to raise awareness about the challenges disabled people face when trying to access sport.
Lol is a support officer for our School of Art and Design with a lead role in running the Fab Lab, our digital fabrication laboratory that sees students, staff and partners using technology to make almost anything. He is a champion of supporting creative talent in Liverpool and uses his knowledge to nurture our students’ skills and to work with creative partners across the city.
Courteney is an English graduate who became a mum while studying at LJMU. She went on to receive a prize as one of the top students thanks to her grit and determination to obtain her degree.