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.
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.
LJMU is proudly named in honour of Sir John Moores, a successful businessman who founded Liverpool’s famous Littlewoods retail and football pools company.
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.
Jamie Christon is the Chief Executive of Chester Zoo and was chosen as one of 10 new honorary fellows during LJMU’s Bicentenary year. The honour reflects his work driving forward conservation at the zoo, preventing extinction in a changing world, and working collaboratively with organisations, partners, and visitors.
Zoe is passionate about people and celebrating diversity. Having witnessed the transformational power of education first-hand, through her mum’s own academic journey as a mature student, Zoe was herself encouraged to go to university and now works for Agent Academy helping people to gain real-world experience and make industry connections to secure amazing jobs.
Professor Mark Power is the university’s fifth Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, having committed to a lifelong working career at the university for more than 42 years. With a higher education career spanning four decades, some might assume that a traditional academic trajectory and a research-driven professorship would form a part of this Vice-Chancellor's story, but in fact his story is rather unique compared to many of his counterparts.
Marie is the 2022/23 President of Liverpool John Moores Students’ Union and is making a difference to the student experience by ensuring that they have access to the right support and that LJMU is inclusive and representative of the student population.
Craig is an inspiring educator who embodies everything that LJMU stands for in 2023 - to be student focused, inclusive and courageous in all that we do. He was recognised in 2022 with a National Teaching Fellowship Award for his outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.
Gordon plays a key role in Liverpool’s lively theatre scene as the Artistic Director and CEO of Unity Theatre, a venue that started life in the 1930s and continues to explore current societal matters through its performances. As an LJMU drama alum, he continues to support current students who were once in his shoes and is proud to have many new graduates working at Unity today.