Leeds Alumni
Here to keep our global University of Leeds alumni community connected. #LeedsAlumni
- We were delighted to welcome broadcaster @jacquioatley.bsky.social MBE (German 1996) back to campus for our Leeds Alumni Voices event. Here, Jacqui describes the day she became the first female female commentator on Match of the Day. Watch the full event back: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...
- Last night we welcomed the brilliant @jacquioatley.bsky.social MBE back to campus for an exclusive Leeds Alumni Voices event. If you were unable to join us, stay tuned for a full recording - and make sure to read our recent magazine feature with Jacqui: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...
- Are we failing our children? In the latest Leeds magazine, Professor Mark Mon-Williams discusses inequalities faced by young people in disadvantaged communities – and how Leeds is helping address these critical issues: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...
- Leeds are harnessing the latest advances in AI to enhance weather prediction and improve climate resilience and food security in West Africa. Read more about Project Cumulus, funded by the Gates Foundation and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
- Khadijah Ibrahiim lost her undergraduate dissertation hours before the deadline. Receiving an honorary degree last summer proved less stressful. Read about the Leeds-born literary activist, poet and dramatist, as we celebrate her contribution to the arts: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...
- Members of the University community were recognised in the recent New Year Honours, including one of the UK’s foremost climate scientists Professor Piers Forster, awarded a CBE for his ongoing work to tackle climate change. Discover the full Leeds list: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
- Is a climate solution just beneath our feet? In the new Leeds magazine, read how the University is replacing the current gas heating system with a geothermal alternative, starting in the Henry Price halls of residence and the engineering buildings: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...
- Inspired by his time in Leeds, alumni volunteer Dr Sharique Ahmed Khan has opened access to education for underprivileged communities back home in India. In the new Leeds magazine, we find out how he did it: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026…
- From heart-warming stories of love at Leeds, to alumni reunions all around the world, it's been a year to remember for the global Leeds community. As 2025 draws to a close, look through some of the Leeds alumni highlights this year: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-alumni-in-202…
- Forced to flee the war in Ukraine, Leeds student Mariia Dmytryk left her home in Kharkiv with just a backpack. Read about her journey to Leeds - and why she's determined to make the most of every opportunity: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026…
- Sports broadcaster Jacqui Oatley MBE (German 1996) began her career in football as a player for the University. In January, Jacqui returns to campus for an exclusive alumni event. Read more and sign up: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026…
- Happy Christmas to the global Leeds alumni community. We wish all those celebrating a peaceful festive holiday.
- Catherine Connolly stormed to victory in the Irish presidential election in October. Leeds historian Dr Alan MacLeod discusses the importance of the Irish presidency, and its significant in modern society: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026…
- Throughout 2025 our global alumni community have connected and celebrated their shared love for Leeds. Take a look through some of the highlights across 113,000 alumni based outside the UK 🔽 🔽 spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026…
- Will you be tucking into any TV dramas this Christmas? If so, chances are it might have been produced by Leeds alum Jane Featherstone (History and German 1991, Hon DLitt 2019). Find out how in the Leeds magazine: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026…
- When the Duchess of Kent’s death was announced earlier this year, tributes flooded in from alumni. In the new Leeds magazine, read about her time as the University's longest-serving Chancellor - and how she secretly became a primary school music teacher in Hull: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...
- The new Leeds magazine has landed. Leeds alumni push through society's boundaries, as researchers drill for answers in the Himalayan glaciers - and under campus itself. Read it here: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...
- The Christmas tree is up, the Great Hall has been decked, and winter graduation is here. Huge congratulations to those graduating, as you become a lifelong member of the global alumni community - you can find out more in our welcome to the Class of 2025: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/graduation/
- For all our alumni, share your words with those following in your footsteps: what do you wish you’d been told when you graduated? Share your advice with the latest graduates: leeds.fillout.com/t/nkMRNYqXh1us
- Fareda Al Wakeel (Medical Engineering 2024) has helped bring together the @universityofleeds.bsky.social and UK charity REMAP to create bespoke solutions for disabled people. Read more about Fareda's work as a volunteer with REMAP and how students will get involved: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
- After conquering Everest for the 19th time, record-breaking expedition leader Kenton Cool (Geological Sciences 1994, Hon LLD 2018) returned to campus to speak to students about life on top of the world. Read more about how he honed his skills climbing at Leeds: www.leeds.ac.uk/news-alumni/...
- Reposted by Leeds AlumniHappy Halloween to everyone who’s celebrating! 🎃 We hope you have a fun time with your loved ones during this spooky season. Ghouls and ghosts have been making themselves comfortable on campus… beware!👻
- A Leeds alum will be inaugurated as President of Ireland following the country’s election vote. Catherine Connolly graduated in 1981 with an MSc in Clinical Psychology. Catherine then worked as a clinical psychologist and barrister, before entering politics in 1999: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
- Thousands of visitors flocked to see the impressive light displays on campus as part of Light Night Leeds this week💡✨ Including a breathtaking collaboration with alum and composer Ilan Eshkeri. Read more about Ilan's return to Leeds: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
- Leeds researchers are helping to restore native woodland and rare wildlife to landscapes in the UK – and we need your help.
- Leeds researchers are working alongside partners at Miterdale and Hardknott Forest – two of the most scenic and remote areas of the Lake District – to show how nature restoration can increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. You can read more here: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/the-alliance...
- Leeds has reached the final shortlist to receive funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Association, and the winner will be selected by a public vote. You can support this important work by voting for Leeds: www.eocaconservation.org/vote/
- World-leading alum composer Ilan Eshkeri is returning to Leeds for Light Night 2025. Ilan has created music for the biggest films, TV series, video games, ballets, concerts and documentaries in the world. Read about his collaboration with Light Night Leeds 2025: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
- We are saddened to learn of the passing of iconic cricket umpire and honorary graduate Dickie Bird. Dickie was described as "one of the greatest characters in Yorkshire's history", and received an honorary degree in recognition of his contribution to sport and the county.
- The University was saddened to learn of the passing of the Duchess of Kent last week. As our 5th and longest-serving Chancellor, Her Royal Highness had an enduring association with Leeds - & many alumni may remember her from graduation ceremonies. 📷 © Cultural Collections & Galleries, UoL Libraries
- How much did you pay for your oldest item of clothing? A £4 T-shirt can outperform a luxury £395 item, according to Leeds research. If you want clothes that last, or cherish second-hand bargains, find out how price doesn’t always reflect durability 👇 ahc.leeds.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
- “It might well have saved my life." Brian Cookson OBE, former President of British Cycling, participated in a recent @universityofleeds.bsky.social study which found that older male athletes are more likely to have scarring in their hearts than non-athletes: www.leeds.ac.uk/news-health/...
- From doctors to entrepreneurs, authors to diplomats, we’re proud of our alumni who were successful in the 24-25 Study UK Alumni Awards, which celebrate the achievements of UK alumni living outside the UK. Read their stories, and find out how to apply for 25-26: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/british-coun...
- Happy Yorkshire Day to our global community! This year, we asked our alumni to share their favourite spots in the county - because you'll always belong in Yorkshire, no matter where you go in the world. Explore the selection - and share your favourites too: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/yorkshire-da...
- Reposted by Leeds AlumniThat’s a wrap – our summer graduations have come to an end 🎓 Congratulations to the class of 2025 and welcome to the @leedsalumni.bsky.social community 💚 We hope you had the best time celebrating – we can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
- 1/2 We were saddened to learn that one of the best-known and best-loved characters in rugby league Ray French (Arts Joint Honours 1961) died last week. Ray began his playing career in rugby union whilst studying at Leeds, before switching to rugby league in 1961.
- 2/2 Ray became known as the voice of rugby league as a BBC commentator from 1979 to 2008. He also gave up countless hours of his spare time to support charities and rugby at all levels, and donated to support students from underrepresented backgrounds at Leeds. He was awarded an MBE in 2011.
- Four individuals received honorary degrees this graduation week, including triathlon coach Jack Maitland (PGCE 1984) and literary activist, theatre maker and poet Khadijah Ibrahiim (MA Theatre Studies 2001). Read more about the recognition👇 www.leeds.ac.uk/main-index/n...
- As the UK government prioritises the growth of the AI industry, two Spark alumni are at the forefront of the technology revolution. Find out how the @universityofleeds.bsky.social helped Saile Villegas and Reo Ogusu launch their business, SeeAI: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/thanks-to-yo...
- Live Aid's 40th anniversary took place last weekend. We delve into our archives to learn how Leeds alumni played key roles in helping galvanise the world's approach to aid - discover stories from behind the scenes, and read expert academic views on the event: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-alumni...
- Graduation is here🎓 🎉To everyone celebrating, a huge congratulations from everyone at Leeds. We're excited to welcome you to the Leeds alumni community - find out what it means to become a @universityofleeds.bsky.social alum #LeedsGrad #ForeverLeeds 👇 spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/graduation/
- For our Leeds alumni, take yourself back to your own graduation day. What words of wisdom do you have for our graduates as they take their next steps? Let us know! #LeedsGrad 👇 leeds.fillout.com/t/nkMRNYqXh1us
- Reposted by Leeds AlumniOur summer graduation ceremonies begin today 🎓🎉 A huge congratulations to everyone celebrating over the next few weeks, whether on campus or virtually! Graduating is a big achievement, and we are so proud of you ✨ We are so excited to welcome you to our @leedsalumni.bsky.social community 💚
- Dawit arrived in the UK alone as a 17-year-old refugee, fleeing from religious persecution and unable to speak English. The support of the Leeds supporter community helped him turn his dream of studying biomedical science into reality. Read his incredible story: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/your-time-at...
- The Laidlaw Library is 10 today! 💸 2,300 alumni and supporters contributed to its £26 million cost - and a £9m gift from Lord Irvine Laidlaw was one of the biggest ever received by the University. Discover 10 fascinating facts about the Laidlaw Library: library.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
- Reposted by Leeds AlumniGreetings to everyone joining us for @imc-leeds.bsky.social 2025 - we hope all attendees have an amazing week 👑⚔ One of the biggest academic conferences in the world is here, and we’re sure it’ll be an enjoyable experience for all once again 🌍 Find out more 👇 www.imc.leeds.ac.uk #IMC2025
- It's the 100th anniversary of a major @universityofleeds.bsky.social fundraising campaign. Watch our first ever fundraising film, which resulted in Lord Brotherton's £100,000 gift to fund our magnificent library - the most significant legacy we have ever received: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJYI...
- Read more about our 1925 campaign in our Brotherton Circle Newsletter 2025, which thanks those who have pledged a gift to the University in their will: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/brotherton-c...
- New support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is helping Leeds researchers restore biodiversity to a crucial area in the Lake District National Park. Read about the restoration work which is proving transformative for nature, communities and the planet: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/thanks-to-yo...
- Reposted by Leeds AlumniWe have joined the @coimbragroup.bsky.social 🎉 The prestigious association promotes ⬇️ 🤝 Academic collaboration ✍️ Excellence in learning 🔬 Research And so much more! Find out more about how the group has brought together 42 European universities ️👇 www.leeds.ac.uk/main-index/n...
- "Things are all moving in the wrong direction." Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at the University Prof Piers Forster is a lead author of the study showing how deep into the climate crisis the world has fallen: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Congratulations to Khine Pwint Nwe (MSc Health Informatics 2024) who was named a finalist in the prestigious Study UK British Council Alumni Awards. Khine launched a digital healthcare platform in Myanmar designed to provide continuous medical education: medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-/new...
- Since her brain cancer diagnosis in January 2023, Mel Crossland has raised over £50,0000 for groundbreaking research and a transformative MRI scanner at Leeds. Read her story - and discover the new solutions Leeds researchers are investigating to fight the disease: www.leeds.ac.uk/news-alumni/...
- Alan Yentob (Law 1968, Hon LLD 2010) has been described as “the most influential broadcaster in Britain over the last 50 years”. Look back on how he changed the course of broadcasting- and how it began with a passion for drama at @universityofleeds.bsky.social: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
- The University of Leeds has moved up two places to 21st position in the 2026 Complete University Guide. Leeds also has 21 individual subjects ranked in the top ten in the Guide’s Subject League Tables 2026. Read more 👇 www.leeds.ac.uk/news-univers...
