Rule-breakers and Change-makers: 30ish alumni making a big impact
24 October 2022
The University’s first 30(ish) Awards celebrated the achievements of alumni who have made a positive contribution to their community, and all before they hit 30. Well, 30(ish).
Eschewing the format of traditional ’30 Under 30’ lists, the inaugural awards were open to alumni under or over 30, who feel 30(ish). Designed to recognise the change-makers, innovators, and rule-breakers in the Cardiff University alumni community, there was an overwhelming response, with nearly 300 nominations submitted. Or 300(ish).
Alumni from across the globe and a wide range of industries, nominated themselves, or were put forward by their fellow alumni, staff, or colleagues.
30(ish) winners were invited to the inaugural awards event at the University’s innovative sbarc | spark building, hosted by Chair of Council and alumnus Pat Younge (BSc 1987) and emceed by alumna Babita Sharma (BA 1998). Around 70 alumni, guests and staff attended this special night, with some travelling from as far as the USA and Canada to receive their awards.
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences alumni featured among the glittering list of winners, including Dr Matthew Jones (MA 2017) from the School of Welsh.
Eight alumni received further special recognition awards in categories ranging from Community activist, Equity activist and Wales to the world to Entrepreneurship and Journalism and media.
Dr Jones, who received the Wales to the World special recognition award, is an educator and Welsh cultural champion based in the USA. He is an Assistant Instructional Professor in the University Writing Program at the University of Florida, where he has forged transatlantic connections between Wales and the USA.
