Bryan is the Director of Bluecoat, Liverpool’s contemporary Arts centre, a working home for artists, and a place where audiences can experience art in new ways. As a fine art graduate of the polytechnic, he never imagined he’d one day be running one of Liverpool’s oldest and most well-known galleries.
Dhiya Al-Jumeily is a professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and has been teaching at LJMU for more than 26 years. He was awarded an OBE in The Queen’s New Year Honours list of December 2020 for his service to scientific research.
Colette was a dedicated member of the catering team at LJMU for 42 years, having joined Liverpool Polytechnic in 1981. Sadly, in October 2023, just four months before her retirement, Colette passed away after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just a few months earlier. She was a much-loved colleague, developing life-long friendships while working for the polytechnic and university. Colette also had, and continues to have, many family ties to LJMU.
Olivia is a marketing executive and a degree apprenticeship graduate, having studied with us over four years before gaining her BSc in Digital Technology Solutions. She is passionate about STEM opportunities for all, uncovering data bias and championing diverse career pathways.
Sarah is an award-winning member of staff and alumni of LJMU. Having completed her degree as a mature student, she now leads the Creative Writing programmes in the Liverpool Screen School.
Gareth is an active ambassador for LJMU and is extremely proud of his Liverpool Polytechnic history, as the second generation in his family to graduate from the institution.
David is an engineering graduate of LJMU who now works in the research and technology sector. Like many fellow students, David’s journey to university didn’t quite go to plan after he received lower than expected A-level results. But it’s this adversity that set him on a new path through university, and one that he’s grateful for, as he adapted and embraced everything student life has to offer.
From geology lecturer to Registrar and Chief Operating Officer, Clare joined the polytechnic as it prepared to become a university and has followed the journey of LJMU from its beginnings in the early 1990s to present day. She is passionate about the transformative power of education.
Alan is a veteran TV camera operator who has interviewed Liverpool legends and royalty during his illustrious career. Since taking on a role as a senior technician in our screen school, working with those aspiring to carve out a career in journalism, he has inspired countless students along the way.
Leigh is an alumnus of the Liverpool Polytechnic, using the skills and knowledge gained from his business studies degree to propel himself into a successful international career in the supply chain and logistics sector that spanned more than 30 years. He now combines his professional expertise and life-long passion for football for his role as Co-Chairman of Walsall Football Club.