Craig is an inspiring educator who embodies everything that LJMU stands for in 2023 - to be student focused, inclusive and courageous in all that we do. He was recognised in 2022 with a National Teaching Fellowship Award for his outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.
Gordon plays a key role in Liverpool’s lively theatre scene as the Artistic Director and CEO of Unity Theatre, a venue that started life in the 1930s and continues to explore current societal matters through its performances. As an LJMU drama alum, he continues to support current students who were once in his shoes and is proud to have many new graduates working at Unity today.
Clodagh is the 2022/23 Liverpool John Moores Students’ Union (JMSU) Vice President for Activities and through her ‘Challenge Clodagh’ initiative, is improving access and representation across student sports teams and societies.
Andy Cooke has a distinguished policing career spanning more than 30 years, eventually seeing him taking on the highest role within Merseyside Police as Chief Constable. In 2023, he became a Bicentenary year honorary fellow in recognition of his outstanding achievements and the positive impact of his leadership in policing, both locally and nationally.
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.
Rachael is the winner of the Rose Paterson Sportswoman Community Award 2023 for her dedication to the sport of netball in Liverpool. Not only is she an inspiring community sports coach she juggles teaching and being a mum alongside her own development, having most recently gained an MPhil with LJMU.
Professor Mike Riley has worked at LJMU for some 33 years and is the Director of the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment. He is passionate about giving students the tools they need to be the best that they can be in the world of building and construction.
Niamh is a professional footballer and was in the history making Lionesses squad, the England women’s football team, that made it to the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She’s an alumna from our School of Sport and Exercise Sciences and was supported during her studies as a Sports Scholar.
Fadi is a 2023 graduate from the maritime business and management programme. He came to the UK as a refugee, having fled his home in Damascus, Syria, and gaining his initial qualifications in Greece. He used his dissertation research to highlight the challenges facing the shipping sector and their obligations under international law to help vessels in distress, including refugee and migrant boat crossings.