University of Westminster recognises outstanding alumni with celebratory event

The event brought together finalists and winners of the Westminster Alumni Awards 2024, alongside recipients of the Alumni Volunteering Awards. These awards celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Westminster graduates and their contributions to various fields.

In 2024, the Westminster Alumni Awards received over 270 submissions. Nearly 3,500 people from around the globe participated in the public vote to select winners from a shortlist of finalists.

Maria Sheherlis, a 2014 Contemporary Media Practice alumna was honoured with the Entrepreneurial Award for her achievements in enterprise. After graduating, Maria built her career in Film and TV, eventually founding Pilot Poet Talent Agent in 2021. Her agency, representing dozens of clients, has secured collaborations with top production companies like HBO, Sky, Warner Bros. and ITV, as well as placements in musicals and theatre. 

Reflecting on her recognition she said: “I'm delighted to receive this award - huge thanks to the University of Westminster, my family, team, friends clients and everyone who voted. Your support means the world to me. A quote that has stuck with me throughout my entire career 'your education is your passport to life'.”

Allyson Williams MBE is a 1996 Healthcare Management BA Honours alumna and was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her services to midwifery.

Reflecting on her recognition she said: “It was an honour to be back at the University with my son Kevin to celebrate my Lifetime Achievement Award. I was so excited and delighted to have won this Award and it means a lot to know that so many people voted for me too.”

The evening also celebrated the winners of the Alumni Volunteering Awards 2024. These awards acknowledge the significant contributions of alumni and industry partners in supporting students through mentoring, work placements, guest talks and hosting students in their workplaces.

From Left to Right: Professor Peter Bonfield, Laura Hughes, Momo Moussa and Professor Dibyesh Anand

Momo Moussa, a 2007 International Business BA Honours alumnus, received the Going the Extra Mile Award for his exceptional support to students as part of Westminster Working Cultures. Moussa said: “The Awards evening was a warm, inclusive and diverse welcome back to a renewed feeling of community amongst my fellow Westminster family. The evening began with a message of ‘inspiration’ from the Vice Chancellor Peter Bonfield, for us alumni to continue to collaborate with the University to help the next generation of students fulfil their aspirations. I was honoured to receive my award last night and I’m grateful to be so involved with Westminster Working Cultures and alumni activity at the University of Westminster.”

Commenting on the achievements of Westminster alumni, Laura Hughes, Head of Alumni Relations, said: “It was wonderful to have so many of our talented alumni and friends in one room from across a spectrum of industries. We were amongst leading figures in nursing, human rights, science, tech, media, enterprise and innovation, all of whom are excellent role models for our students and amazing ambassadors for the University of Westminster. Congratulations to all of our award winners and finalists.”

Westminster’s network of alumni directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for Goals. 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.  

Find out more about the Westminster Alumni Awards and the alumni community at the University of Westminster.