From a global sustainability guru, to inspiring teachers, a charity Founder supporting the vulnerable and a role model positively influencing the next generation of students – we had a lot to celebrate with our Alumni Awards winners 2025 this weekend!

Our Alumni Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of our alumni and shine a light on the amazing work they do for others, the local community and the life of the University .

Over 60 alumni were nominated over the five categories, covering a breadth of experience, diversity of work and incredible impact. The standard of nominations was very high, and the judges had some tough decisions to make, but we are delighted to announce that our winners are:

Alumni Community Hero Award winner: Emily Renshaw-Kidd

BA (Hons) Music 1999, PGCE 7-14 (Music) 2003 and Master Music 2001

An inspiring role model and mentor, Emily is nurturing the next generation of music educators and performers. Emily’s leadership has transformed the music department at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, supported primary school outreach, and promoted the benefits of music on well-being. Her work with Canterbury Cantata Trust and Skylarks connects young musicians with individuals affected by Parkinson’s, fostering intergenerational learning. Emily’s dedication to making music accessible to all, her transformative impact on neurodiverse students, and her contributions to music and health research have earned her widespread recognition.  

Highly commended:

• Daniel Rattigan, BA/BSc (Hons) History / Politics 2006, PG Cert/PG Dip/MA In Education (Generic) 2015 and MA Education 2018
• Toyosi Oluyinka-Oworu, MA Education 2022

Alumni Rising Star Award winner: Alex Richardson

Certificate of Higher Education in Health & Social Care 2016 and BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) 2018

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Alex started a project to help students improve their bedside manner and provide a befriending service for the lonely and vulnerable. With the help of the University’s Career Development Fund, Alex established this project as a formal charity, significantly improving the lives of the local community. His charity has since grown, offering valuable placement opportunities with multiple universities and winning the Kent Wellbeing Service Delivery Champion Award. While fighting loneliness, the charity provides unique training opportunities, DBS checks, and expenses support for volunteers. To continue their mission, Alex and his team tirelessly fundraise with smiles and a warm welcome. His achievements, strength, and diligence make him a shining example of excellence, and one to watch!  

Highly commended:

• George Powell, BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice (Apprenticeship) 2023 

Alumni Sustainability Champion Award winner: Dr Chris Hobbs

BSc (Hons) Biosciences 2013, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice 2017 and MPhil/PhD Biological Sciences 2019 

Dr. Hobbs was praised for his exceptional contributions to conservation and sustainability. His PhD research on the shining ramshorn snail in Europe changed the way that conservation strategies surrounding waterbodies was considered. After graduating, Chris moved to Hawaii, working on rare Hawaiian land snails and later becoming the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum’s first ever Curator of Sustainability. He has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives, reduced energy use, and won a National Informal STEM Education Network Sustainability Fellowship. Chris then worked for the Local2030 Islands Network, coordinating efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in Small Island Developing States across the globe. He now runs his own sustainability consultancy, Sustainable Ideas, and remains active in the Honolulu community.  

Alumni Equity and Inclusion Impact Award winner: Nicola Carey-Shine

Graduate Teacher Programme 2009 and MSc Psychology 2021 

Nicola qualified as a teacher from CCCU in 2009, retuning in 2019 to complete an MSc in Psychology, and in that time has served as a special needs and Deputy Headteacher for over a decade. Frustrated by the lack of support for neurodiverse children, she resigned and sold her home to set up a small school dedicated to providing equal opportunities. Her services quickly grew, earning her awards such as Kent’s ‘Business Woman of the Year’ and the National ‘Mpower’ award. Since then, she has been nationally and professionally celebrated, with her opinion sought by publishing giants like Usborne, the BBC, ITV, and the NHS. Her transformative work includes helping mute children communicate verbally, fighting for educational adjustments, early intervention for SEND students and winning educational tribunals. Nicola’s passion, determination, and kindness enable her to connect with children and families, providing a safe space and brighter future. She has also worked with charities to train teachers and families on neurodiversity and been recognised with a National Diversity Award.  

Alumni Outstanding Contribution Award winner: Joshua Hall

BSc (Hons) Advertising and Marketing 2022 

Josh has played a pivotal role in fostering the connection between academia and industry at CCCU, not only in his field of marketing but across various initiatives supporting staff and Business School students. As a placement student himself, Josh has mentored other Business School students during their year-long marketing placements, offering guidance, skill development, and career insights. He has supported the business placements manager by giving talks and seminars, sharing his experiences and advice. Josh has actively participated in student mock assessment events, providing critical feedback and realistic professional evaluations. As both an alumnus and employer, he has contributed to curriculum development and regularly delivers guest lectures on brand management and global marketing. Josh has also promoted the Business School through marketing videos, inspiring prospective students.