Alumnus of the Year

Recognising exceptional alumni in our community

The Alumnus of the Year is an award to recognise the vital and substantial contribution our alumni make. Award recipients have made outstanding contributions in their field, and they support and act as advocates for the university’s activities.

Depending on the number of recipients, the title of the award with either by Alumnus of the Year (for one) or Alumni of the Year (for two or more). Awards are presented during a graduation ceremony in July or November. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate both our graduates and the outstanding achievement of key figures in our community.

To submit a nomination, you must be a former student, UCSU member, or staff member at the University of Cumbria. Find out everything you need to know about submitting a nomination down below.

Meet Our Alumnus of the Year Award Recipients

How to Nominate

To submit a nomination you must be a former student of the University of Cumbria (or one of our legacy institutions), or University of Cumbria staff member or University Board Director.

It is very important that confidentiality is observed throughout the process. Please do not disclose your nomination to the nominee or others until it has received final approval by the University Board and accepted by the nominee.

The nomination form should be completed in full, stating how your nominee meets the criteria above. Once completed, please mail the form to Julie Thompson, Vice Chancellor’s Office at our Carlisle Fusehill Street office or via email.

Download the Alumnus of the Year Nomination Form.

Nomination Criteria

Professional success demonstrated by notable career achievements.

Extraordinary community involvement.

Excellent service to the university of the following: service in alumni programmes, on advisory committees, student recruitment, internships, mentoring and job placements, and through efforts made to ensure the welfare and reputation of the institution.

Promoting the Alumni Association, organizing class reunions and participating in careers and employability programmes.

Conditions

It is expected that nominees will meet at least one of the desirable criteria.

As part of our ongoing commitment to widening participation and diversity, we aim for our Alumnus of the Year to reflect the rich diversity of those who engage with and support the university. We are particularly interested in developing women and minority ethnic Alumnus of the Year who can enhance the reputation, academic rigour and scrutiny of our values and mission. Applications are particularly welcomed for consideration from these groups.

Restrictions

The following would not normally be considered for an award even though they met the criteria above:

Current members of the university’s staff or its Board of Directors or current students.
Serving politicians, including Ministers of the Crown, Members of Parliament or front-bench members of the House of Lords.
Former members of university staff and/or Board Directors within 24 months of having left their position.
Anyone, or any organisation, where an offer of an award at that time could be construed as seeking an unfair and inappropriate advantage for the university.