University News Last updated 05 December 2011
The diverse worlds of policing, industrial heritage and bespoke furniture are being celebrated in Birmingham City University’s Alumni of the Year 2011 awards.
For the second 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. The 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 of the University. This year’s recipients are Matthew Armstrong and Simon Vinton, Makhdum Ali Chishty, Keira O'Mara, Luke Perry and Bethann Siviter.
Matthew Armstrong and Simon Vinton who graduated in BA (Hons) Furniture Design in 1999 are the founders of bespoke, high-end furniture company Armstrong Vinton Furniture, which makes furniture for A-list clientele which - according to newspaper reports - includes Madonna and Prince Edward.
Makhdum Ali Chishty, who graduated in LLB (Hons) Law in 2004 was brought up in inner-city Birmingham and went on to be appointed to the Metropolitan Police Service as a Chief Police Officer. He took up his challenging post as Commander for North London – where he is responsible for policing Enfield, Barnet, Camden, Islington, Hackney and Haringey – just before the area hit global headlines during the riots of summer 2011.
Exceptional ambassadors for the University
Inventor and businesswoman Keira O'Mara, who graduated in 1998 in BSc (Hons) Environmental Planning, made a name for herself after designing the Mamascarf, a discreet and supportive breastfeeding scarf. Keira is also a familiar face in the media, commenting on business and family matters for outlets including ITV News, GMTV, Sky News, The Independent, The Guardian, and the Mail on Sunday, as well as several baby magazines.
Luke Perry, who graduated in BA (Hons) Fine Art in 2005 is founder and director of Industrial Heritage Stronghold, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to ‘build Public Artworks which celebrate the country’s industrial heritage in a very real way’. Already well-established in this field, Luke led the re-building of the Titanic's bow in Belfast, restoring the Titanic Engineers’ Memorial in Southampton and bringing the Titanic's anchor home to the Black Country.
Bethann Siviter who gained a Diploma in Higher Education: Adult Nursing in 2002 is a well-known nursing writer, speaker and advocate for students, healthcare assistants and the art of nursing practice, as well as the author of two bestselling textbooks for trainee nurses. Bethann overcame sudden illness and disability in 2006, not only returning to her demanding role as a nurse consultant but also using her experiences to help support other people with disabilities who work in nursing.
Birmingham City University Vice-Chancellor, David Tidmarsh, said: “Matthew, Simon, Makhdum, Keira, Luke and Bethann 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 in 2012.”