The University of Westminster recently welcomed the winners and finalists of the Westminster Alumni Awards and Alumni Volunteering Awards 2025 for a celebratory awards evening.
Hosted at the University’s Regents Campus on 11 September, the event brought together alumni who have made significant career achievements as well as alumni and local organisations who have generously volunteered their time to support current students. The Alumni Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of Westminster graduates, determined six winners from more than 400 submissions through the help of over 3,000 votes this year. The Alumni Volunteering Awards recognise the selfless contributions made by alumni and industry partners to support students through volunteering and this year, 11 winners were announced during National Volunteers’ Week.
The evening commenced with a speech from Vice-Chancellor and President of the University Professor Peter Bonfield, who praised the alumni for their dedication and impact on the Westminster community, emphasising that they represent the University’s success stories, inspire current students and are a source of immense pride.
Alumni Award winners included International Journalism (Broadcast) MA alumna Raquel Villanueva, who graduated in 2009 and is now a video producer and presenter bringing space exploration to life through her work at NASA. Monwara Ali, Law LLB Honours alumna who graduated in 1997 also received an award. She is now the CEO of Waltham Forest Community Hub, a grassroots charity dedicated to empowering marginalised communities.
Alumni Volunteer Award winners included C. Lorenzo Evans III, a dedicated volunteer on the Westminster Working Cultures programme, and Human and Health Sciences BSc Honours alumna from 2017 Dr Kiu Sum, who won the Long Serving Volunteer Award for supporting Future Ready Mentoring over several years.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, attendees also enjoyed musical performances from Music Production, Performance and Business BA Honours student Joel Marquis-Kumba and Creative Music Production and Business FdA graduate Sarah Angel Adesiyan.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for alumni from around the world to connect with each other and grow their networks.
Reflecting on winning the Alumni Speaker of the Year Award, Satya Shekhar, Accounting BA Honours alumnus, said: “I am very grateful. Getting this award also means that the University is very grateful for my services. It makes my belief stronger to come back and do more with students.”
David Brooks, Alumni Relations Officer, added: “It was fantastic to welcome back so many of our inspirational alumni and volunteers and celebrate everything they do. The evening also provided an opportunity to build connections within this special community and enjoy some impressive musical performances. It was lovely to bring people together from around the world and recognise their amazing achievements.”
Volunteering opportunities are a crucial part of the University’s Zone 29 mission to remove barriers and create inclusive opportunities for individuals from marginalised backgrounds.
The Alumni Awards and Alumni Volunteering Awards celebration directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about alumni and supporters at the University of Westminster.
Find out more about volunteering opportunities at the University of Westminster.
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