Graduate of the Year Award Winners

The prestigious AIB/Ulster University Distinguished Graduate award is made to a graduate of the University ‘in recognition of outstanding achievement in their chosen field' and presented during winter graduations.

This award is one way in which we recognise our amazing graduates.

Nominations for 2021

If you know an amazing, talented and worthy Ulster University graduate, who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen field why not nominate them for this prestigious award for 2021.

The process is now open and nominations should be submitted by completing this official form.

If you have any questions about the process please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office: sj.irwin@ulster.ac.uk or tel: 028 9536 7486.

Nominations must be received no later than Friday 17 September 2021.

Winner for 2020

Dr Tara Shine, environmental scientist, policy advisor and science communicator, specialising in the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on people and their rights, has been named as this year’s AIB/Ulster University Distinguished Graduate of the Year.

Find out more about Dr Shine and her amazing career.

Credit: John Allen

A selection of previous winners

• View full list of Distinguished Graduate Award Winners

  View full list of Distinguished Graduate Award Winners

  Year	Winner
  2020	Dr Tara Shine: Adviser climate & sustainability, Public speaker, TV presenter, Author. Co-Founder Change by Degrees DPhil 2003 ;BSc Hons Dip Environmental Science with DAS 1994 (Faculty of Life and Health Sciences) Coleraine
  2019	Dr Adrian Johnston MBE: Director of Digital Catapult Northern Ireland PhD Informatics 2007 ;BEng Hons DIS Electronics and Computing 2000 (Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment) Magee
  2018	Michael Boyd: Director of Sport, Sport NI Advanced Diploma in Management Practice 2005; MSc in Communication, Advertising and Public Relations 2001; BA Hons Sport and Leisure Studies 1999 (Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University Business School) Jordanstown
  2017	Colin Williams: Creative Director of Sixteen South BA Hons Design 1995 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Belfast
  2016	Sonia Flynn: Chief Operating Officer, Hireup BA Hons Applied Languages 1997 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine
  2015	Alyson Hogg MBE: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vita Liberata BA Hons Philosophy 1996 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine
  2014	Colin Walsh MBE: Founder and Chief Executive, Crescent Capital NI Ltd MBA International Business 1988 (Ulster University Business School) Jordanstown.
  2013	Gavin Campbell: Director Quality, Spirit AeroSystems  HND Mechanical Engineering 1985; BSc Hons Engineering 1985 (Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment) Jordanstown.
  2012	Colin Davidson: world-renowned Artist Certificate in Foundation Studies in Art and Design, 1988; BA Hons Design, 1991 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Belfast.
  2011	Dr Sharon O’Kane: leading entrepreneur in the biotechnology industry BSc Hons Biomedical Sciences 1991; DPhil Biological and Biomedical Sciences 1994 (Faculty of Life and Health Sciences) Coleraine
  2010	Kyle McCallan MBE: former Irish Senior International Cricketer BA Hons Sport and Leisure Studies 1998, PGCE 2001 (Faculty of Life and Health Sciences) Jordanstown
  2009	John McMullan MBE: Chief Executive, Bryson Charitable Group HNC Business and Finance 1987, BA Hons Business Studies 1991, MBA 1993 (Ulster University Business School) Jordanstown.
  2008	Professor Anthony Gallagher: Professor of Human Factors, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland BSc Hons Psychology 1988 (Faculty of Life and Health Sciences) Jordanstown
  2007	Terence Cross OBE: Founder and Owner, Delta Print & Packaging HNC Business Studies 1977 (Ulster University Business School) Jordanstown.
  2006	Dr Brian Irvine MBE:  Composer. DPhil Composition 2002 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Jordanstown
  2005	Billy Mawhinney:  Creative Director, WJPM BA Hons Graphic Design 1978 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Belfast
  2004	Professor Joe Nellis:  Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Cranfield School of Management BSc Hons Economics 1976 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Jordanstown
  2003	Brian Stirling: International Rugby Referee BSc Hons Education with Economics 1976 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine
  2003	Harry Cayton, CBE OBE:  Chief Executive, Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence BA Hons English 1971 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine
  2002	Alison Kitson: Head of Discipline School of Population, University of Adelaide BSc Nursing Studies 1979, DPhil 1984 (Faculty of Life and Health Sciences) Coleraine
  2001	Brian Keenan:  Writer BA Hons English 1974, MA Anglo-Irish Literature 1985, (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine
  2000	Kate Hoey: MP for Vauxhall Teacher's Diploma in Physical Education 1967, UCPE (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences).
  1999	Declan McGonagle:  Director of National College of Art and Design BA Hons Fine Art 1975, PG Diploma Fine Art 1976 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Belfast.
  1998	John McClelland: formerly Chief Fire Officer/CEO NI Fire Brigade DMS 1985, BA Public Sector Administration 1987, MBA 1989 (Ulster University Business School) Jordanstown
  1997	Pat Loughrey: Warden at Goldsmiths, University of London BA Hons History 1976 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine.