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.
2024 saw the introduction of a new category in the awards: the Civic Award, for an alumnus or alumna who has made an exceptional impact on the local economic, social or cultural success of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
This new award was added to the existing award 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.
- Rising Star Award for an alumnus/a who graduated no more than 10 years ago who has made an outstanding contribution in their field or to society.
- 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.
The winners received their awards during summer graduation, and all generously delivered inspiring speeches for the graduates and families.
Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 Winner
Jayanti Shah MBE – BSc Mechanical Engineering, 1971
Jayanti has been a dedicated anti-racism campaigner in Southampton for many decades. In 2020, he received an MBE for his commitment to improving race relations in the city.
Jayanti has held prominent voluntary positions in the Southampton Race Equality Council and contributed to the work of the city’s race sub-committee and is the Director of Positive Message, a non-profit organisation, which promotes racial inclusivity and tackles discrimination.
He has been a leading figure in the success of Black History Month for over 15 years and an engaged member of Southampton’s alumni community, driving forward a local alumni network.
Civic Award 2024 Winner
Veronica Gordon – BSc. Social Policy and Administration, 2005
Veronica Gordon is a broadcast journalist turned social entrepreneur who uses her media skills, knowledge, and insight to empower Black and underrepresented communities.
She is the founder of Our Version Media (OVM), a Southampton-based social enterprise leveraging digital media for social good. OVM increases positive visibility of Black communities by teaching digital media and journalism skills, enabling individuals to tell and share their own, authentic stories.
In 2024, Veronica joined the Code Committee for Impress, the UK’s independent press regulator, expanding her work to contribute to a more trustworthy, fair, and representative media landscape at a national level.
Rising Star Award 2024 Winner
Dr Jahangir Alom BEM – BM6 Medicine, 2018
Jahangir was the National Clinical Lead for the Staff COVID-19 Vaccine Programme at NHS England, leading the engagement strategy that saw 147,000 of the most hesitant healthcare workers get vaccinated.
He is also the Programme Director of an international charity, Selfless UK, which delivers evidence-based global health projects in rural Bangladesh; a School Governor at Stepney All Saints School; a board member at the Institute of Public Policy Research and a full time emergency medicine doctor.
He has received an NHS Parliamentary Award and British Empire Medal for services to tackling health inequalities in the King’s New Years Honours List 2024. Jahangir is an expert in health inequalities and has provided commentary on the BBC, Sky News, Channel 4 and CNN.
Alumni Service Awards 2024 Winners
Chris Spackman – BSc Maths and Computer Science, 1981
In 2016 Chris helped establish the University’s FutureWorlds start-up accelerator and remains a volunteer business mentor, giving a huge amount of time to help researchers and students bring their innovations to the market. He’s also been a major supporter of the University’s Ignite Programme helping undergraduates overcome challenges to thrive.
Chris has also volunteered for several national and local charities helping young people to reach their potential and older people stay independent.
Pascal Ezeabasili – BEng Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2020
Pascal was among the first volunteers to take part in the University’s Graduate Ambassador Scheme, a programme that helps new graduates connect with current students to offer advice and support recruitment and employability at Southampton.
Pascal’s personal journey resonates profoundly with aspiring students facing similar challenges. He has run several networking workshops for students, contributed to focus groups and panels and provided particular support to the University’s widening participation agenda, through initiatives like the Ignite Programme.
Who would you like to nominate for the Outstanding Alumni Awards 2025? Nominations open in December. To find out more visit Alumni Awards (sharepoint.com)