The University of South Wales community - graduates and students alike - is filled with people making a difference at all levels of society, worldwide. Be that in business or industry, society or culture – or right here on our doorstep within the University. 

New for 2016 has been the launch of our annual Alumni Awards which seek to recognise the excellence and achievement of individuals within our network. The actions of our alumni reflect the excellence of a USW education and our mission to provide not only innovative education and world class graduates, but also culturally aware global citizens making positive strides.

2016 Award categories are:

• Inspiring the Next Generation - Recognising a graduate who has volunteered their support to the University of South Wales, providing inspiration to current and prospective students.
  

• Excellence in Service - Recognising a current student or graduate who has shown outstanding commitment to enhancing the connectivity of the alumni and/or student community, and supporting its activities.
  

• GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) - To celebrate a young alumnus/a who has graduated within the last 10 years and who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and leadership potential in their chosen profession. 
  

• Distinguished Alumni - Awarded to a former student to acknowledge their achievements and success, be this through personal accomplishment, professional achievement, or humanitarian service.
  

We were delighted to receive 65 nominations over the four award categories in our inaugural year. The standard of nominations was high in all categories and shortlisting the applications to top 4 in each category was not an easy task. The judging panel considered submissions in some detail and were impressed by both the high quality of activity being carried out within the alumni community and the resulting impact being felt within the network and beyond.

Award finalists will be welcomed to our Vice Chancellor hosted Alumni Awards and Supporter Reception being held next month at SWALEC stadium in Cardiff. Category winners will be announced on the night.

We are delighted to announce the 2016 shortlisted category finalists:

Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award

Mr Joe Blackman (MBA, 2008)

Mr Ashley Comley (LLB Law and Legal Practice, 2008)

Ms Claire Harding (BA (Hons) Public Management and MSc Public Management, 2009)

Mr Richard Pring (BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development and MA Animation, 2010)

Inspiring the Next Generation Award

Mr Hamed Amiri (BSc (Hons) Computer Science, 2011)

Mr Owain Rhys James (MSc Dispute Resolution, 2015)

Mr Matthew Sensier (BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, 2012)

Ms Eleni Tsolka (MA Music Therapy, 2015)

Excellence in Service Award

Mr Geraint Evans BEM (Education, 1968)

Mr Leonard Lim (LLB Law, 1998)

Mr Mike Pride (MChiro, 2017)

Miss Emma Richards (BA (Hons) Creative Industries in Photography, 2016)

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr Richard Burgess (PhD, 2010)

Ms Emma Chivers (BA (Hons) Youth and Community Studies, 2002)

Mr Martin Smith (BA (Hons) Public Administration, 1991)

Mr Steve Thomas CBE (MSc Public Management, 1995)

Follow the Awards action   #USWAlumniAwards

Inspired to nominate someone you know who is making a difference or who has achieved success as a graduate of the University? Check back for our 2017 Awards to be launched in spring 2017