University News Last updated 12 December 2013
The diverse worlds of design, performing arts and sports journalism are being recognised and celebrated in Birmingham City University's Alumni of the Year 2013 awards.
For the fourth year running, the University is giving the awards to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of former Birmingham City University students. The honours are given to mark the important contribution and real difference graduates are making across the globe in a variety of ways - to the local, national or international community through their achievements.
Awards are given within three areas of achievement; Enterprise and Innovation; Community Engagement and Leadership; and Excellence in Sport or the Arts. Nominations are made by staff, students and graduates of the University as well as employers, colleagues and friends of alumni. This year's recipients are Jack Row, Reena Jaisiah, Matthew Christie, Laura Mvula and Catherine Tyldsley.
Award-winning craftsperson and designer Jack Row graduated in 2009 and has since won a number of awards for his collections of luxurious precious metal fountain pens and cufflinks, including the coveted British Jewellers Association prize for his precious metal fountain pen design and a gold medal prize by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. His 'Architect Collection' debuted at prestigious store Harrods in November 2011 and has since become his most celebrated work.
Reena Jaisiah graduated in BA (Hons) Sociology in 2003 and is now involved in a number of projects which help to bring diverse communities together. She joined Caste Watch UK in 2003 and is believed to have been the first person in the UK to speak out publicly against caste discrimination, using her artistic talents to form theatre company, Caste Away Arts. She has also delivered arts to orphans and members of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, has supported war-affected young people through drama and is currently planning to deliver a series of drama taster sessions in a women's prison with the support of Prison Link.
Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has been named in the Excellence in Sport or the Arts category. She graduated in BA (Hons) Acting in 2006 and after a string of acting roles she joined Coronation Street in 2011, taking up the role of Eva Price. She has also appeared in Holby City, Emmerdale, The Royal, Shameless, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Trollied.
Singer-songwriter Laura Mvula graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire in 2008. She landed her first record deal with Sony Music Entertainment's flagship label, RCA Records, and in March 2013 released her debut album, 'Sing to the Moon', which reached the UK Top 10. She has won two MOBO awards in 2013 - plus received nominations for BRIT and Q awards, and she came fourth in the BBC's Sound of 2013 new music list. She has also recently featured in Marks & Spencer's 'Britain's Leading Ladies' campaign.
BA (Hons) Media and Communication graduate Matthew Christie has built a successful sports journalism career on the back of his lifelong passion for boxing. After graduating in 2005 he steadily climbed his way up the career ladder, to become the presenter of the weekly internet show BNTV. He also hosts the weekly Boxing News podcast The Opening Bell, whilst writing for the popular Boxing News magazine and website. In 2012 he won the Newsquest Outstanding Content Contribution of the Year Award from the magazine's parent company and was shortlisted for the Sports Journalism Society Internet Sportswriter of the Year Award.
Birmingham City University Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff Allan said: "We are enormously proud of the achievements of our alumni, who enter all walks of life, reach the top of their professions and make a real difference all over the world.
"Jack, Reena, Matthew, Laura and Catherine are all exceptional ambassadors for Birmingham City 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 next year."
Further information on the Alumni of the Year Awards 2013