Outstanding alumni celebrated at University of Leicester awards dinner

A few extra stars were shining at the National Space Centre last night as the University of Leicester celebrated the success of outstanding members of its alumni community.

The city’s iconic attraction dedicated to astronomical achievements played host to the annual Alumni Awards Dinner on Thursday 14 May, where several generations of former students of the University reunited.

The University of Leicester Alumni Awards are an annual celebration of special achievements made by alumni. The event saw seven awards presented, with the event sponsored by Space Park Leicester, More Sailing, BHW Solicitors, the University of Leicester Centre for Endangered Archaeology and Heritage, University of Leicester Services for Business, and The Belmont Hotel, De Montfort Street, Leicester. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising sustained achievement over a long career, was presented to Mr Aderemi M. Makanjuola OON, an accomplished Nigerian businessman and philanthropist whose life’s work has shaped entire sectors - from finance and aviation to education and national development. Graduating from Leicester with a BA in Economics in 1976, he has also had a transformative impact on education and was appointed Chancellor of Edo State University in 2019, where he continues to uplift academic excellence.

Promising recent graduates are recognised by the Future Leader Award, which this year went to Sai Kumar Mattireddy, an emerging technology innovator whose work is improving how organisations listen to and support the people they serve. After completing his Master of Engineering Management in 2023, Sai became the lead developer behind LeicSurvey, a feedback platform created with LOROS Hospice to address dramatic reductions in service‑user engagement.

Also Highly Commended for the Future Leader Award were Zygimantas Vainauskas, a First‑Class MEng Aerospace Engineering with Industry graduate ranked top of his class and now working on cleaner propulsion, safer aerospace systems, and sustainable technologies; and Dr Melvin Sanicas, a physician–scientist and global health leader in vaccinology, science communication, and public policy.

The recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award was Dr Madhuri Sharon, an internationally recognised scientist whose work has shaped major advances in nanotechnology, plant science, and sustainable materials over more than five decades. Her research has opened new pathways in carbon nanomaterials, nanomedicine, drug delivery, biochar and eco‑friendly technologies, including patented processes that turn plastic waste into useful products and create carbon nanofibres for environmental applications.

Dr Mary‑Justine Todd, a public service leader whose work has transformed protections for women experiencing violence across the Middle East and North Africa, received the Dr Mark Sims Award for Public Service. As Founder and CEO of Shamsaha, a nonprofit established in 2013, she has built the region’s first large‑scale, volunteer‑driven crisis‑response organisation for survivors of gender‑based violence, trafficking, and exploitation.

Highly commended in this category was Dr Emma Astra Aldwinckle, commonly known as Dr Emma Astra, who having completed her entire higher‑education journey at the University of Leicester, now uses her lived experience as a disabled, working‑class, mature student to support others facing structural barriers.

The Alumni Association Graduating Student of The Year is Jesse Gyamfi, a final‑year Computer Science BSc (Foundation) who has made an exceptional contribution through four years of dedicated service, leadership, and community impact. One of the University’s most reliable and inspiring Student Ambassadors, he has supported countless Open Days, Offer Holder Events, school visits, and campus tours. His warmth, authenticity, and ability to connect with young people have made him a powerful and relatable role model for those who may not otherwise imagine higher education in their future.

Also Highly Commended for this award was MSc Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology student Wasiu Omoniyi, who as a Commonwealth Shared Scholar used his laboratory and academic experience to mentor many international and prospective postgraduate students

Dr Glynis Wright MBE’s outstanding voluntary service earned her the Mary Attenborough Award for Volunteering. Dr Wright plays a central voluntary role as an Entrepreneur in Residence for the School of Business, delivering mentoring, workshops and pro bono talks that equip students with real‑world entrepreneurial skills. As a Member of Council and Full Member of Court, she contributes her time to guiding the University’s long‑term strategy and governance. 

The Rhoda Bennett Award for Philanthropy was presented to Dr Colin Pitt, a proud alumnus who graduated with a BSc in Special Chemistry in 1956 and a PhD in Chemistry in 1959 before building a distinguished research and industry career in the United States. His most significant contribution to the University is the creation of the Margaret Rankin Pitt Award in Physics, established in memory of his late wife to support and retain women in a discipline where they remain under‑represented.

“Thanks to the generosity of guests on the night, over £1,000 was raised in support of 2121: Founders of the Future, the University’s most ambitious philanthropic endeavour to date, which looks to secure funding to allow the institution to tackle some of the world’s largest issues head on.”

Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Our alumni community are our ambassadors and a source of great pride for the University.  We are connected through a shared history and pride in a sense of place, as well as through memories, experience and belonging. 

"The Alumni Awards Dinner is the occasion to recognise their achievements and pay tribute to their success. Through the giving of their time, talent and treasure, our alumni have helped to strengthen their university and ensure it stands proud to support future generations. We offer our congratulations to everyone being recognised in these awards."