Metro Mayor becomes first LJMU Alumni Ambassador Fellow
The Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, has become the first Alumni Ambassador Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University.
The honour was bestowed at this afternoon’s graduation ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral (Wednesday 29 March).
The award is part of LJMU’s celebration of its people during our Bicentenary year. Alumni Ambassador Fellows are former students who embody LJMU’s values of being student-focussed, inclusive, engaged with the community and courageous.
Steve Rotheram said: “I’m genuinely honoured to receive this award.
“I’m fiercely proud of the city and the wider region and that’s why I jumped at the chance to become an ambassador for this fantastic university. This is a great institution; its ethos, its culture and its importance to our area cannot be overstated.”
Steve shared his advice with graduating LJMU students: “I made the unlikely journey from bricklayer to the House of Commons and now to the most senior political office in my region through a thirst for learning. I still love it and learn something new each day.
“Don’t allow self-limiting beliefs hold you back. Go out there and prove your indispensability and show others the strength and intelligence you know you possess. Today – graduation – is what you have worked hard for and the rewards will come with it."
Professor Ndy Ekere, Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engineering and Technology, delivered the citation for Steve’s award at the ceremony: “Steve is one of us – an alumnus from our faculty and we take great pride in his continuing achievements.
“Like many self-made people, Steve is a driven and motivated individual and has a belief in the value of learning. He studied full time with LJMU as a mature student whilst raising his family and keeping his professional career going.
“A committed believer in public service and activism, Steve has served as a councillor, MP, Lord Mayor and Metro Mayor; he has always spoken out for those without a voice. His current role is helping to shape the future of this region for years to come through inward investment and driving innovation to create jobs and infrastructure.
“In this, our Bicentenary year, it gives me enormous pride to see Steve Rotheram honoured with our highest award.”
Today’s ceremonies
Almost 700 students graduated during Wednesday’s two ceremonies, from the Faculty of Business and Law and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
You can find pictures from today’s ceremonies here and on our social media channels.
