Chancellor Lucy Meacock presents Salford’s 2024 Alumni Achievement Awards

The ceremony was hosted by University Chancellor Lucy Meacock, who honoured eminent politician Baroness Barbara Keeley along with high-fliers from the worlds of construction, social justice and the visual arts.

Speaking at the event Lucy said: “The Awards recognise the achievements of people who are doing their bit to change the world for the better. I’ve worked with people who have been to the University of Salford, and they’ve found opportunities they would not have found otherwise. And obviously you become part of this fantastic network which stretches right across the world, and it’s wonderful to see how that family is growing all the time.”

Baroness Barbara Keeley collected the Lifetime Achievement Award, after studying a BA in Politics and Contemporary History and graduating 1994 from the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology (SAMCT). She made history as the first female MP for Worsley, serving five terms and holding multiple Ministerial roles including Shadow Cabinet Minister for Social Care and Mental Health. She was appointed to the House of Lords in 2024 to mark a lifetime of distinguished service.

Accepting her Award Baroness Keeley said: “I’m greatly honoured to accept this Award. To be part of this afternoon and hear these amazing stories [of the other winners] has been remarkable too. I came to the University as a mature student and loved the course. It gave me a good grounding in the history and theory of contemporary politics and some fascinating insights. It’s been an enormous privilege, after starting on my path at University of Salford, to serve the people of Salford. So I want to thank University of Salford and all our tutors and lecturers for giving me such a good start.”

Also being honoured were Andrew Reynolds who scooped the Alumni Excellence Award as  Changemaker in Environmental Sustainability. Andrew studied at the School of Science Engineering and Environment, graduating in 1996 with a BSc Quantity Surveying, Class of 1996. Andrew is now UK and European Chief Executive of construction firm Rider Levett Bucknall, delivering sustainable strategies in the built environment.

Another worthy winner was Paul Hutchings Alumni Volunteer of the Year who studied for his BSC in Business Management Studies at Salford Business School and graduated in 2008. He’s now Deputy Chief Finance Officer at Salford City Council and has volunteered at the University for over a decade. He helps raise aspirations and improve career prospects for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and is a huge support to our University community.

Many congratulations to all our worthy winners.