The Outstanding Alumni Awards recognise the achievements of Southampton’s talented alumni across the world and the ongoing contribution they make to the University’s reputation as ambassadors and exemplars for our students.
L-R: Jane Wernick, Tolúlope Ògúnremí, Kaushal Shah, Stephen Dulake
The 2023 winners received their awards during the summer graduation period, in the following categories:
Lifetime Achievement Award for an alumnus/a who has made an outstanding contribution to society over an extended period of time and is highly regarded in their chosen career field.
2023 winner: Jane Wernick CBE – BSc Civil Engineering, 1976
Jane is a structural engineer who likes to work on projects that give delight. She has played a leading in role in the design of many important projects both in the U.K. and abroad. These include the London Eye, the Kew Treetop Walkway and the Young Vic Theatre.
Jane has received many awards and honours for her work, including First Woman of the Built Environment award in 2013 and the CBE for services to Structural and Civil Engineering in 2015.
Rising Star Award for an alumnus/a who graduated no more than 5 years ago who has made an outstanding contribution in their field or to society.
2023 winner: Tolúlope Ògúnremí – BSc Mathematics and Computer Science
Tolúlope is the founder of Coders of Colour, a social enterprise helping young people between the ages of 11 and 25 to access training in machine learning, app development and bridge the digital divide. She is also currently enrolled on a PhD in Computer Science at Stanford University, having secured two coveted fellowships.
In 2021 she was named in the Forbes 30 under 30 listings in the Social Impact category for her work with Coders of Colour, the youngest honouree in the category.
Alumni Service Awards for dedicated service – promoting the importance of the University through transformative philanthropy and/or support to our students, the wider University, or our alumni communities.
2023 winners:
Kaushal Shah – MSc Global Entrepreneurship, 2014
Kaushal Shah is a successful entrepreneur, award-winning CEO and founder of sustainable packaging company EnvoPAP and a dedicated volunteer who has shown continued support for the University.
Kaushal was the first student to be endorsed by the University for the Graduate Entrepreneurship Visa for EnvoPAP, a sustainable enterprise that he started during his time as a student at Southampton. EnvoPAP produces environmentally friendly paper and packaging made from agricultural waste. Since graduating, Kaushal has gone on to win numerous awards for his work in business and sustainability.
Stephen Dulake – MSc Economics, 1990
Stephen is Global Head of Credit, Securitized Products and Public Finance Research at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Stephen donated the first ever Ignite Scholarship in 2017, funding one student’s entire tuition fees and maintenance support. He wanted to provide a student with the same opportunities that he enjoyed at University, whilst not having to worry about their finances.
The Ignite Programme has since grown to become the University’s flagship widening participation and social mobility (WPSM) programme. The programme has raised over £1 million, supporting 90 students with financial support and access to the innovative programme of workshops, mentoring and internships.
