The Outstanding Alumni Awards recognise the achievements of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载’s talented alumni across the world and the ongoing contribution they make to the University’s reputation as ambassadors and exemplars for our students.

Awards are presented 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.
• 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.
• Civic Award, for an alumnus/a who has made an exceptional impact on the local economic, social or cultural success of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
• Outstanding Contribution Award, for an alumnus/a who has made an exceptional impact in their field or in society.

The winners receive their awards during Summer Graduation.

Adrian Newey – Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr Adrian Newey OBE stands as one of the most successful and influential engineers in the history of Formula One. For over four decades, he has led the way in motorsport innovation, transforming car design and redefining what’s possible in race engineering. Adrian joined the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 to study Aeronautics and Astronautics, graduating in 1980. From his earliest days as a student, he showed a passion for pushing boundaries – a mindset that continues to define his remarkable career.?He has designed championship-winning cars for three of Formula One’s most iconic teams: Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Racing. No other designer in the sport’s history has delivered title-winning cars for three different teams, and Adrian achieved that distinction through bold thinking, technical mastery and sheer dedication. In 2012, the UK recognised Adrian’s contribution to motorsport by awarding him an OBE. Adrian’s career represents excellence at the highest level of global sport. His leadership in motorsport engineering, pioneering achievements, and his continued generosity towards the next generation all reflect the values we hold as a University.

Samuel Ajayi – Alumni Service Award

Samuel Ajayi is a talented media-tech innovator who combines career success with an unwavering commitment to BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 and our students. Since graduating with a BA in Film in 2019, Samuel has become one of the University’s most engaged and generous alumni volunteers – devoting his time, energy, and insight to empowering the next generation. Samuel joined BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 with a clear sense of ambition and purpose, which he carried into a dynamic career that has spanned business strategy, television production, and digital product development. He has worked at Sky, contributed to major productions including Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and The Crown, and now serves as a Product Manager at Channel 4.?Alongside his professional journey, Samuel has consistently given back to the University. He has delivered career panels, led employability workshops for the Business School’s Talent Development Programme, and featured in webinars such as Where Can Your Degree Take You? – offering valuable insights that connect students with real-world opportunity. Samuel embodies the spirit of alumni service at BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 – dedicated, impactful, and deeply invested in the success of our community.

Mfon Ekpo – Outstanding Alumni Contribution Award

Mfon Ekpo is a leadership consultant, global speaker and entrepreneur who dedicates her career to empowering individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. Through her work in leadership development, civic engagement, and strategic consulting, she inspires and equips the next generation of changemakers across Africa and beyond. After graduating from the University with a degree in Maritime Law, Mfon began her career with a clear focus: to drive transformational leadership and build capacity at scale. As CEO of The Discovery Centre, she leads innovative training programmes that have strengthened performance in individuals and institutions alike. As Executive Director of The Future Project Africa, she delivered high-impact initiatives in leadership, entrepreneurship and civic education. Her work earned her selection in 2014 to President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative. She was later appointed an Honorary Citizen and Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Arkansas, and went on to chair the Advocacy Committee for the Mandela Washington Fellowship’s Regional Advisory Board. Despite her global reach, Mfon continues to offer her time and expertise to uplift young people and emerging leaders. She remains actively connected to our University community, generously sharing her insights and encouraging students to lead with integrity, purpose and courage.

Charlie Pericleous – Civic Award

Charlie Pericleous MBE has built a career dedicated to public service, community safety, and social cohesion – both locally here in Hampshire, and across the globe. For over two decades, he’s worked on the frontlines countering extremism, protecting vulnerable individuals, and supporting victims of hate crime. After graduating from BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 with a BSc in Politics and International Relations in 2001 and an MSc in International Relations in 2003, Charlie stepped into a vital role with Portsmouth City Council as Preventing Violent Extremism Officer. He later extended his expertise internationally, consulting with the United Nations and the EU’s Radicalisation Awareness Network to shape global strategies for resilience and safeguarding. In 2019, he was honoured with an MBE for his services to preventing extremism and hate crime. Charlie always goes above and beyond for the public good. Whether influencing policy, building safer communities, or supporting our students, he leads with integrity, empathy, and impact.

Francesca Trotman?– Rising Star Award

Francesca Trotman is a pioneering marine conservationist whose commitment to ocean protection and environmental sustainability continues to shape international strategy on conservation and equity. She founded her non-profit Love The Oceans aged just 21, alongside completing her MSci in Marine Biology at BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载.?Francesca’s leadership in ocean science and gender equity reflects the value of a degree in marine biology and our own values of the University – excellence, impact, and inclusion. Francesca’s work exemplifies the spirit of the Alumni Rising Star Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to a field or to society within ten years of graduation. Francesca is delivering real change in one of the world’s most urgent arenas—and she richly deserves this award.

Who would you like to nominate for the Outstanding Alumni Awards 2026? Nominations open in December, and more details will be shared on SUSSED nearer the time.