On 16 April 2026, we welcomed our outstanding alumni back to campus to recognise and celebrate their incredible achievements, talent and leadership at the Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Alumni Awards.
We were delighted to share an evening of inspirational success stories, showcasing the wide-ranging impact ARU graduates are making across industries, communities and professions. Finalists were nominated across seven award categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of our alumni network.
The ceremony was held at our Chelmsford campus and was compered by Professor Catherine Lee, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences. During the evening, we celebrated the achievements of this year’s Winners and Highly Commended alumni.
You can read more about each of this year’s finalists by visiting our online programme.
Winner: Charlie Gray
BA Graphic Arts 1998
Highly Commended: Rebecca Steers
BA Communication Studies 2010
Winner: Dr Christopher Mitchell
BSc Audio & Music Technology 2002, PhD 2007
Highly Commended: Wale Oyepeju
MBA Service Excellence 2016
Winner: Charlotte Jamieson
BA Social Work 2014
Highly Commended: Dr Claudine Matthews
DProf Health and Social Care 2024
Winner: Yiu Lam Fong
MA Music Therapy 2022
Highly Commended: Chisola Chitambala
MBA 2020
Winner: Rachel Leech
MSc Sustainability 2023
Winner: Evbu Elizabeth Idahosa
MSc Public Health 2013
Highly Commended: Kate Elysia
BSc Nursing (Mental Health) 2012
Highly Commended: Beth Warmington
MSc International Social Welfare & Social Policy 2018
Winner: Gary John Wilder OBE
Education 1979