As part of our Bicentenary celebrations in 2023, we shone a light on just some of our many thousands of outstanding people. From the earliest days of the Mechanics Institute in 1823 up to the present day, so many people have shaped, and been shaped by, our university.
All the stories featured here were factually accurate at the time of writing for our Bicentenary from late 2022 through to early 2024. Some of those featured may have since moved into different roles or taken on different titles or responsibilities.
Abbie is a senior research engineer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) having spent nine years studying at LJMU. A last-minute switch from studying pharmacy to civil engineering has seen her career take a whole different direction.
Abdelrahman is a third-year biomedical sciences student. He came to LJMU from Egypt through the International Foundation Year and worked as a student mentor for fellow international students, to provide support and advice to help others settle into life in Liverpool.
Adam is a former education lecturer who progressed LJMU’s links with underrepresented Black communities in Liverpool, giving them confidence to seek out higher education opportunities.
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.
Alan is a Senior Teaching Fellow with our School of Engineering and in 2023 was awarded the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service in recognition of his contribution to maritime education over more than two decades.
Alan is a veteran TV camera operator who has interviewed Liverpool legends and royalty during his illustrious career. Since taking on a role as a senior technician in our screen school, working with those aspiring to carve out a career in journalism, he has inspired countless students along the way.
Aldham Robarts, an Honorary Fellow, trustee and passionate supporter of the university. Two out of LJMU’s three library spaces are named after Aldham and his wife Avril who generously made donations towards the building of both key student spaces after the incorporation of the university in the early ’90s.
Alex Brooker is an LJMU alumni and Honorary Fellow. He is a role model and inspiration for people of all ages and backgrounds, but particularly for those with disabilities, as he himself was born with hand, arm and leg disabilities. He has attained huge success as a journalist and is renowned as a writer and television presenter.
Alex is the Co-founder and Director of Liverpool Arts Bar on Hope Street and in the Baltic Triangle, founded with the ethos of supporting and developing grassroots artists across the city, giving them a platform to showcase and celebrate their work. Along with three fellow LJMU graduates, they opened the bar in 2019, survived the Covid-19 pandemic and can now boast that they have the city’s go-to venues for creatives.
Alexandra has been a friend of LJMU since 2015 when she moved to the UK, and alongside her own studies, she has played a key role in forging a relationship between the university and the growing Roma community in the city. Raising the aspirations of Roma women, and men, through her own grit and determination to challenge injustices.
Alexandria is the 2023/24 Vice President for Community and Wellbeing at Liverpool at John Moores Students’ Union (JMSU) and is advocating for students’ mental health concerns to continue to be a key focus of the university’s support services.
Ami is an engineer with a passion for sailing. She is a graduate of the university’s BSc (Hons) Product Innovation and Development programme and has since gone on to make history as a member of the first all-female team to win an around the world yacht race on the Maiden yacht.
Andrea is part of LJMU’s dedicated School of Education team who support and train our teachers of the future. She is also committed to driving forwards social justice, putting that ethos into all that she does, inspiring others so that they can raise their own aspirations.
Andy Cooke has a distinguished policing career spanning more than 30 years, eventually seeing him taking on the highest role within Merseyside Police as Chief Constable. In 2023, he became a Bicentenary year honorary fellow in recognition of his outstanding achievements and the positive impact of his leadership in policing, both locally and nationally.
A Professor of Astronomy Education and Engagement, Andy is a champion of explaining complex science under his directorship of the National Schools’ Observatory, ensuring access to the universe for all.
Angela was awarded an LJMU Honorary Fellowship in 2018 for her tireless work as a mental health campaigner, speaking out and challenging the stigma of suicide. She’s previously been named Merseyside’s Woman of the Year for her work surrounding bereavement and mental health, presented the BAFTA nominated BBC documentary ‘Life after Suicide’ and recently delivered a TEDx Talk. She is hoping to return to LJMU later this year, in 2023, as she begins an MA in Psychotherapy.