From kindness to conservation: CCCU alumni awarded for their impact on communities, education, and the planet

From tackling loneliness and transforming education for neurodiverse children, to advancing global sustainability and redefining music’s role in well-being, the award winners were celebrated at the annual event.

This year’s winners include:

Alex Richardson - Rising Star of the Year

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Mental Health Nursing alumnus Alex, started a project with fellow students to provide a befriending service for the lonely and vulnerable.

With the help of the University’s Career Development Fund, Alex established this project as a formal charity, significantly improving the lives of the local community. His charity has since grown, offering valuable placement opportunities with multiple universities and winning the Kent Wellbeing Service Delivery Champion Award.

While fighting loneliness, the charity provides unique training opportunities, DBS checks, and expenses support for volunteers. To continue their mission, Alex and his team fundraise with smiles and a warm welcome. His achievements, strength, and diligence make him a shining example of excellence, and one to watch as his star continues to rise.

“Winning this award means a lot to me. Being not only a previous student but also the fact that I built this while in my second year at CCCU,” said Alex.

“I am forever thankful to so many of the staff at this university who have given me their love and time. They have helped me take this to where it is today. They have helped me to keep talking. It’s an honour to share a stage and room with so many amazing people and something I will always cherish.”

Emily Renshaw-Kidd - Alumni Community Hero 

An inspiring role model and mentor, Emily is nurturing the next generation of music educators and performers. Emily's leadership has transformed the music department at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, supported primary school outreach, and promoted the benefits of music on well-being.

Her work with Canterbury Cantata Trust and Skylarks connects young musicians with individuals affected by Parkinson’s, fostering intergenerational learning. Emily's dedication to making music accessible to all, her transformative impact on neurodiverse students, and her contributions to music and health research have earned her widespread recognition.

“I’m absolutely blown away,” she said. “I’m very surprised, but honoured because obviously the other nominees and shortlisted candidates were incredible as well. Very, very proud and grateful because it sort of confirms that what we’re doing in terms of music and health and wellbeing, and reaching out to the community; helping people with Parkinsons and other degenerative issues like that; helping them to consolidate that importance.

“My first reaction was I thought about my mum and how proud she would be if she was still here, I had to try to keep out the tears as I was walking up to collect the trophy. Thank you so much.”

Dr Chris Hobbs - Alumni Sustainability Champion 

Dr Hobbs is nominated for his exceptional contributions to conservation and sustainability. His PhD research on the shining ramshorn snail revealed that across Europe the species was morphologically and genetically split into two distinct types, raising the possibility that Segmentina nitida was in fact two species and changing the way that conservation strategies surrounding waterbodies would have to be considered.

After graduating, Chris moved to Hawaii, working on rare Hawaiian land snails and later becoming the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum's first ever Curator of Sustainability. He implemented numerous sustainability initiatives, reduced energy use, and won a National Informal STEM Education Network Sustainability Fellowship. Chris then worked for the Local2030 Islands Network, coordinating efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in Small Island Developing States across the globe. He now runs his own sustainability consultancy, Sustainable Ideas, and remains active in the Honolulu community.

Dr Hobbs commented on his award. "I’m honoured to receive this year's Sustainability Champion Award, “ he said.

“This recognition reflects the incredible work being done to embed sustainability into the heart of the cultural sector. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring institutions and individuals who believe, as I do, that culture has the power to lead transformative environmental change."

Nicola Carey-Shine - Equity & Inclusion Impact Award

Nicola qualified as a teacher from CCCU in 2009, retuning in 2019 to complete an MSc in Psychology, and served as a special needs and Deputy Headteacher for over a decade.

Frustrated by the lack of support for neurodiverse children, she resigned and sold her home to set up a small school dedicated to providing equal opportunities. Her services quickly grew, earning her awards such as Kent’s ‘Business Woman of the Year’ and the National ‘Mpower’ award.

Since then, she has been nationally and professionally celebrated, with her opinion sought by publishing giants like Usborne, the BBC, ITV, and the NHS. Her transformative work includes helping mute children communicate verbally, fighting for educational adjustments, early intervention for SEND students and winning educational tribunals. Nicola’s passion, determination, and kindness enable her to connect with children and families, providing a safe space and brighter future. She has also worked with charities to train teachers and families on neurodiversity and been recognised with a National Diversity Award.

Nicola said:“I’m really, really thrilled to receive this award. I think this is incredibly important. The children I work with going to be really excited. I think there is going to be a post office-style scandal in about 10 years coming out in education and I want to be the one to say we were unearthing this. So, thank you so much, I’m really, really proud and happy, thank you.”

Joshua Hall, Outstanding Contribution Award

Josh has played a pivotal role in fostering the connection between academia and industry at CCCU, not only in his field of Marketing but across various initiatives supporting staff and business school students.

As a placement student himself, Josh has mentored other Business School students during their year-long marketing placements, offering guidance, skill development, and career insights. He has supported the business placements manager by giving talks and seminars, sharing his experiences and advice. Josh has actively participated in student mock assessment events, providing critical feedback and realistic professional evaluations. As both an alumnus and employer, he has contributed to curriculum development and regularly delivers guest lectures on brand management and global marketing. Josh has also promoted the Business School through marketing videos, inspiring prospective students.

“I feel really appreciative of the award,” he said. “While it’s not about the recognition, it’s nice to get it through an evening like tonight.

“As someone who graduated only a few years ago, being able to be actively involved in the University still and help those who are about to graduate with graduate opportunities and skill development, especially through things like placements, and employability skills.

“It’s great to continue to support that part of the university experience as they develop themselves for the real world. It’s great to have the recognition of my support through those avenues.”

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