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 2020 will open soon
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 2020/21.
The nomination process will open soon and nominations should be made using an official nomination form which can be requested by contacting the Development and Alumni Relations Office: alumni@ulster.ac.uk or tel: 028 9536 7486. Nominations must be received no later than Friday, 1 May 2020.
A selection of previous winners
View full list of Distinguished Graduates
| 2018-2019 |
Michael Boyd, Director of Football Development 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 |
| 2017-2018 |
Colin Williams: Creative Director of Sixteen South BA Hons Design 1995 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Belfast |
| 2016-2017 |
Sonia Flynn: Vice-President of SoundCloud BA Hons Applied Languages 1997 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine |
| 2015-2016 |
Alyson Hogg: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vita Liberata BA Hons Philosophy 1996 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Coleraine |
| 2014-2015 |
Colin Walsh: Chairman of the CBI Northern Ireland MBA International Business 1988 (Ulster University Business School) Jordanstown. |
| 2013-2014 |
Gavin Campbell: business leader in engineering and technology HND Mechanical Engineering 1985; BSc Hons Engineering 1985 (Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment) Jordanstown. |
| 2012-2013 |
Colin Davidson: Artist Certificate in Foundation Studies in Art and Design, 1988; BA Hons Design, 1991 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Belfast. |
| 2011-2012 |
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 |
| 2010-2011 |
Kyle McCallan MBE: former Irish Senior International Cricketer. BA Hons Sport and Leisure Studies 1998, PGCE 2001 (Faculty of Life and Health Sciences) Jordanstown |
| 2009-2010 |
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. |
| 2008-2009 |
Professor Anthony Gallagher: Professor of Human Factors, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland BSc Hons Psychology 1988 (Faculty of Life and Health Sciences) Jordanstown |
| 2007-2008 |
Terence Cross OBE: Founder and Owner, Delta Print & Packaging. HNC Business Studies 1977 (Ulster University Business School) Jordanstown. |
| 2006-2007 |
Dr Brian Irvine MBE: Composer. DPhil Composition 2002 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Jordanstown |
| 2005-2006 |
Billy Mawhinney: Creative Director, WJPM BA Hons Graphic Design 1978 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Belfast |
| 2004-2005 |
Professor Joe Nellis: Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Cranfield School of Management. BSc Hons Economics 1976 (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) Jordanstown |
| 2003-2004 |
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. |
