ARU toasts achievements of outstanding graduates

Professor Roderick Watkins (left) with winners of the 2026 Vice Chancellor's Outstanding Alumni Awards

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) celebrated the success of some of its most influential and successful graduates at an annual awards ceremony last night.

The Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Alumni Awards were held at ARU’s Chelmsford campus to recognise the success of graduates who have achieved excellence in their respective fields or have made a significant contribution to society.

Nominations were received from members of the public, family and friends of alumni, and former students were shortlisted across seven award categories, including culture, entrepreneurship and sustainability. The winners on the night were:

 

• Alumni Contribution to Culture
  Winner: Charlie Gray (BA Graphic Arts 1998).
  An acclaimed portrait photographer whose work spans film, fashion and contemporary culture, Charlie has photographed major cultural figures including Robert De Niro, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Tony Blair and Zinedine Zidane. His 2025 portrait of Tyson Fury for Arena Homme+ entered the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. A Leica Camera ambassador, Charlie exhibits internationally and also volunteers his photography skills with Cambridge United FC.
• Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year
  Winner: Dr Christopher Mitchell (BSc Audio & Music Technology 2002; PhD 2007).
  Dr Mitchell is an entrepreneur and artificial intelligence innovator whose work has transformed machine listening. After completing his PhD at ARU, he founded Audio Analytic, creating the world’s first commercial sound recognition platform and securing partnerships with Amazon, Google and Meta. He grew the company with more than $25 million in investment before its acquisition by Meta in 2022, where he became Director of Audio Research. He now works as a technology-focused business angel and Visiting Fellow at ARU.
• Alumni Public Service
  Winner: Charlotte Jamieson (BA Social Work 2014).
  Charlotte is a modern slavery specialist whose work spans frontline social work, international training and strategic anti-trafficking leadership. She has advised on hundreds of trafficking cases, delivered training internationally, and now leads the modern slavery response across two London boroughs. In 2025, Charlotte received the Human Trafficking Foundation’s Outstanding Contribution to Statutory Services Award in recognition of her national impact.
• Alumni Rising Star
  Winner: Yiu Lam Fong (MA Music Therapy 2022).
  Yiu Lam is a music therapist and founder of Cambridge Music Therapy Ltd, leading inclusive therapeutic work across schools, care homes and community settings. Specialising in dementia care and special educational needs, she uses creative musical engagement to improve communication, wellbeing and emotional expression, supporting more than 100 students and adults through person-centred practice.
• Alumni Sustainability Champion
  Winner: Rachel Leech (MSc Sustainability 2023).
  Rachel is a sustainability leader whose creativity and advocacy have driven meaningful change across further education. As Sustainability Lead at Gateshead College, she has embedded circular economy initiatives, active travel projects and teaching aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, engaging hundreds of students through green skills programmes and inspiring long-term behavioural change.
• Alumni Voluntary Service
  Winner: Elizabeth Idahosa (MSc Public Health 2013).
  Elizabeth is the founder of the Faithful Witness Initiative Charity Organization, delivering voluntary, community-driven health interventions across underserved communities in Lagos, Nigeria. Her work focuses on preventive care, health education, free medical outreach and equitable access to healthcare, strengthening local health outcomes through compassionate and sustained service.
• Lifetime Achievement
  Winner: Gary John Wilder OBE (Education 1979).
  Gary is an Executive Headteacher and National Leader of Education with more than 46 years’ experience improving educational outcomes for children and communities. He has led schools to Outstanding Ofsted ratings, helped establish the Partnership Learning Trust, and influenced national school improvement strategy. He was awarded an OBE in recognition of his lifelong commitment to public service.