University News Last updated 11 December 2012
The diverse worlds of film making, entrepreneurship and property developing are being recognised and celebrated in Birmingham City University’s Alumni of the Year 2012 awards.
For the third year running the University is giving the awards to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Birmingham City University graduates. The honours are given to mark their important contribution to the local, national or international community in the course of their career or through voluntary or charitable work.
Awards are given within three areas of achievement; community engagement and leadership, enterprise and innovation, and excellence in sports or the arts. Nominations for the awards are made by staff, students and graduates and employers of the University. This year’s recipients are Emma Shipley, Nigel Hanson, Jon Riche, Daniella Genas and Neil Edginton.
Exceptional textiles entrepreneur Emma Shipley graduated in 2008 BA (Hons) Textile Design and has already achieved international recognition as a star in the making, having opened her own design studio and launched an innovative range of Scarves and Wallpapers, now available at Browns and at Harvey Nichols.
Former Birmingham Bullets player, Nigel Hanson, graduated in LLB Law in 2003 and after beginning a career in law he now helps to keep Birmingham children off the streets by developing the sport of Basketball in the City. He founded community club, the Birmingham As, and is committed to providing health education and life lessons to the young people in the most deprived areas of the city.
Jon Riche graduated in BA (Hons) Visual Communication in 2000 and has since turned his hobby of making films into a job having directed music videos for various artists including Kasabian, Just Jack, Moby and The Feeling. He was lucky enough to receive two BAFTA nominations in 2010 and he has also directed commercials for well-known brands including Nissan, Ikea and Nike.
Social entrepreneur Daniella Genas studied at Birmingham City University for both her first degree (Media and Communication, 2006) and her 2008 Masters Degree in Media Enterprise in 2008. Daniella runs Aspire4u, the company she started in 2007 and registered as a CIC (Community Interest Company) in 2009 with the aim of supporting, developing, training and showcasing young people in the West Midlands. The company has worked with thousands of young people over the years in various capacities.
Neil Edginton completed his BSc (Hons) in Environmental Planning in 1999 and his MSc in Construction Project Management in 2002. He has since played a significant part in developing Birmingham as a City and bringing well-known brands to the region, providing a number of employment opportunities. He is currently the Director of The Cube, and was also part of the team behind The Mailbox. In 2010 he established EDG Property, a property and development consultancy business.
Birmingham City University Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff Allan said: “Emma, Nigel, Jon, Daniella and Neil are all exceptional ambassadors for the University; their stories are inspiring and their achievements outstanding. I very much look forward to meeting them when they collect their certificates at the upcoming Awards Ceremonies early next year.”