We are delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees in the 2026 Alumni Awards. Our congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted and all those who were nominated. We were very impressed and as always remain proud of all our alumni and their achievements.

Alumni Community Hero award

This award recognises and celebrates our alumni who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in the local community and who have contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others, and the betterment of society.   

Shortlisted alumni:

• Lisa Adams, BSc (Hons) Interprofessional Learning (Mental Health Nursing) 2019 and PG Cert Academic Practice 2024
• Steve Barker BA (Hons) Music 1997, PGCE 11-18 (Music) 1998 and Master Music (MMus)2008
• Christopher Carr, BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Science 2015
• Lauren Gould, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science 2024
• Lisa Kane, Certificate in Early Years Professional Development 2009, Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies 2010 and BA (Hons) Early Years Studies with Recommendation for EYPS 2011
• Stephen McNeill, MA Media Production 2004

Alumni Rising Star Award

This award recognises and celebrates innovative and successful recent alumni who have showcased determination, drive and excellence in the workplace or community, who are paving the way for others and demonstrating strong leadership and teamwork skills.   

Shortlisted alumni:

• Sophie Faulkner, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science 2021 and PG Cert Academic Practice 2023
• Jeannie Goulding, BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport & Exercise Science with Foundation Year 2023 and MSc Research (Psychology and Life Sciences) 2025
• Dr Rajeeb Kumar Sah, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice 2017 and MPhil/PhD Health & Social Care 2018
• Dr Zina Lehef, PhD Thesis (Language Studies & Applied Linguistics) 2023
• Demi Osibona, BSc (Hons) Sociology & Social Policy 2022
• Josh Vincent, BSc (Hons) Business Studies 2018

Alumni Equity and Inclusion Impact Award

This award highlights individual alumni or a group of alumni who have taken action to champion equality, diversity and inclusion (in areas including age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion), demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing inclusive practices and embedding equality as a lived value in an organisational or community environment.  

Shortlisted alumni:

• Ann Bell, Certificate of Education 1971
• Daley Jones, BA (Hons) History 2005
• Andrew Mathias, BA (Hons) Geography and Radio, Film and Television Studies 1989
• Camealia Xavier-Chihota, BSc (Hons) Business Studies/Marketing 2006

Alumni Sustainability Champion Award

This award recognises individual alumni or group of alumni who are committed to ‘Shaping Sustainable Futures’, working to continually reduce their environmental impact, operating ethically and empowering others to be advocates for sustainability, or making a tangible impact through sustainable practices.

Shortlisted alumni:

• Bethany Climpson, BA (Hons) Creative & Professional Writing 2019, MA in Creative Writing 2021 and PGCE Primary Education 2022
• John Hills, BSc (Hons) Geography 2013 and University Certificate in Academic Practice 2018

Alumni Outstanding Contribution Award

This award recognises the incredible voluntary contribution that alumni make to the life and community of Canterbury Christ Church University, through enriching the experience, knowledge and employability of our students, or facilitating opportunities for business development and growth.  

Shortlisted alumni:

• Emil Ahmagic, BSc (Hons) International Relations / Psychology 2012
• Iain Hawthorn, Postgraduate Diploma Management Studies 2000 and MA Management Studies 2002
• Ian Rowden, BA (Hons) Primary Education 2005
• Meg Vest, BSc (Hons) Public Health 2021

The winners will be announced at the Alumni Gala Dinner on 20 June 2026 – book your tickets now! And good luck to all those who have been shortlisted.