Bert was a famous disability rights campaigner, himself a wheelchair user, dedicating his life to advocating for improvements to the daily life of those with disabilities. He was also an alumnus of the Liverpool Polytechnic, later becoming an Honorary Fellow and serving as a governor, while working closely with the university on its equality and diversity policies.
From bricklayer to the first elected Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram is not only a former LJMU student but works closely with the university on initiatives that benefit the 1.6 million people he represents. This bicentenary year he becomes our first Alumni Ambassador Fellow in recognition of his achievements and how he embodies the values of LJMU.
Dex is a psychology and criminology student and the founder of JMSU’s Boxing Society. The society has not only brought students together in the world of sport, but has helped to form a community where people are also using boxing to support their mental health.
Valeria completed her PhD in antimicrobial resistance with LJMU having fallen in love with the city during her Erasmus project. She became one of only five winners of the inaugural Pandemic Institute Student Excellence Awards 2022.
James is a mental health nursing graduate, and one of many nursing students who went above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic, putting their training into practice to support the NHS during their studies.
Maureen is a member of staff with the Faculty of Business and Law, and part of the first cohort of employees with the Positive Action Programme. Described by her son as ‘half human, half cyborg’, she says that technology has changed her life since she lost her hearing after contracting malaria in 2010.
A leader in the development of sport and exercise science study in the 1970s and the first ever Professor of Sports Science in the UK.
Gary is an inspirational alumnus of the Liverpool Polytechnic. Using his background and expertise in computing, teaching and business development, he is truly one of Liverpool’s leading citizens, determined to make positive changes for the people of the city. From his work as a councillor, as the former Lord Mayor, and now as a diversity and equality champion, and ‘pay it forward’ evangelist and major fundraiser, he continues to help people, day in and day out, to reach their potential.
Isaac is a trainee working on reception across campus and is one of the first employees at LJMU with the Positive Action Programme.
Ruth is one of thousands of mature students to have passed through the doors of LJMU, furthering her own career in children’s care and education after gaining her degree in 2016.