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.
Áine won the Individual Teaching Excellence Award at our Teaching Excellence Awards held in our Bicentenary year, recognising how she has provided amazing real-world learning experiences for students across the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, all while being an active supporter of women in STEM.
Jo is a finance officer and in 2023 celebrated 35 years of working for LJMU. She’s worked across many different departments during her career, and as the university has evolved. During more than three decades of dedicated work, Jo has made lasting friendships along the way and even met her husband here too.
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.
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.
Louise is the Chief Executive of Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust and has a distinguished NHS career spanning more than 30 years. In 2023, she became an honorary fellow of LJMU in recognition of her transformative, visionary leadership in healthcare for the benefit of young people.
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.
Sarah Wright is a Circuit Judge at Sheffield Combined Court and was one of 10 Bicentenary honorary fellows chosen to mark the university’s 200th anniversary in 2023. She is a graduate of Liverpool Polytechnic and has dedicated herself to the law and judicial system for more than 40 years.
Stafford Beer was a scientist, poet, painter, founder of management cybernetics and world leader in operational research. He was appointed Honorary Professor of Organisational Transformation at Liverpool Polytechnic in 1989, and today the Collection bearing his name is among the most prized of LJMU's archives.
Lol is a support officer for our School of Art and Design with a lead role in running the Fab Lab, our digital fabrication laboratory that sees students, staff and partners using technology to make almost anything. He is a champion of supporting creative talent in Liverpool and uses his knowledge to nurture our students’ skills and to work with creative partners across the city.