University awards recognise outstanding alumni and notable community figures

Exceptional community figures and outstanding alumni were recognised in the University of Suffolk’s annual Suffolk Salutes awards ceremony on Tuesday evening.

The awards, now in their third year, celebrate graduates whose achievements, commitment and contributions truly stand out, with six former students being presented special plaques which will be placed around campus at spots of significance to the winners.

To celebrate the university’s 10th anniversary as an independent university, this year’s awards also featured the new Community Award for the first time, recognising individuals who have made notable contributions to the university, its communities and society.

Professor Jenny Higham, University of Suffolk Vice-Chancellor, said: “Our students’ journeys do not end when they graduate from the University of Suffolk – the Suffolk Salutes Alumni Awards are a wonderful opportunity to honour the extraordinary work of our graduates beyond their studies.

“In celebrating their achievements, it is inspiring to see how they have thrived, made significant contributions to their communities and industries, thus providing brilliant role models for our current students to aspire to.

“With the introduction of the Community Award for our 10th anniversary year, it is a real pleasure to welcome extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond in our county, demonstrating the exceptional community spirit we enjoy here in Suffolk.”

The six alumni to receive the Alumni Award this year are Emily Godden, Lee Hudson, Perry Littman, Sophie Peskett, Dan Wiltshire and Xenia Zimmermann.

The Alumni Award winners were awarded for their remarkable demonstration of compassion, kindness or heroism, for their outstanding contribution to the educational, economic or cultural wellbeing of society, or an outstanding contribution and impact on the university’s reputation and the wider life of the university community.

The inaugural Community Awards were given to Joe Bailey, Peter Brady, Clare Friel, Elma Glasgow and Kelly Gray.

The Community Award winners were chosen for their contribution to the cultural wellbeing of society or to business, industry or enterprise, for academic distinction in areas of interest to the university, for public or community service which exceeds professional requirements, achievement in the face of disadvantage, or for an exceptional contribution to the university.

Nominations for the Alumni Awards came from staff, students or fellow alumni, and the winners each receive a plaque with their name on which will be erected on campus at a location meaningful to the graduate.

More information and quotes on each of the Alumni Award and Community Award winners are available below.

To find out more about the Suffolk Salutes award, visit the website page here.

Alumni Award winners

Emily Godden (award sponsored by Fleximize)

Emily Godden graduated with a BA (Hons) Fine Art in 2016, and went on to form Virtually There Studio, which combines artistic practise, academic research and creative technology to inspire creativity and make emerging technologies more accessible through exhibitions, events and educational programmes, creating opportunities for all ages to develop digital skills.

They secured the Jury Prize at the 2025 Innovate UK Immersive Tech Awards for their project on The Dunwich Rose – an extended reality experience that brings the story of the lost city of Dunwich to life through immersive technology, as well as exhibiting their work at prestigious galleries including Somerset House and the Tate Modern.

Emily said: "This award is special, the University of Suffolk feels like home to me. I learnt to play, be curious, be resilient but ultimately to be me. I found my voice and I went with it, sorry for painting the floor green! I’m a proud graduate of the Fine Art course and it’s great to see the course go from strength to strength."

Lee Hudson (award sponsored by NG Bailey Facilities Services)

Lee graduated on the BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing degree apprenticeship class of 2022, and after qualifying as a Band 5 nurse quickly progressed into leadership roles.

He has been recognised for his support and practical help for colleagues, as well as an outstanding approach to patient care, even in times of high pressure.

Lee said: “I feel incredibly happy and honoured to have been recognised with this award. Mental health nursing is so close to my heart, and it is wonderful to see the university recognise this.”

Perry Littman (award sponsored by Richard Lister, former University of Suffolk Vice-Chancellor)

Since graduating in 2021 with an MSc Sports Performance Analysis Master’s degree, Perry has built an impressive career in live sports broadcasting, starting with work experience on football analysis before becoming a Sports Graphics Operator delivering live on-screen graphics for some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including Wimbledon, the Olympic Games and UEFA competitions for the likes of the BBC, ITV and TNT Sports.

He has spoken openly about his experiences as a dyslexic professional, and passionately supports those entering the broadcast profession to develop their confidence and skills.

Perry said: "Receiving this award is a real honour and something I'm incredibly proud of. When I started at the University of Suffolk, I never imagined my career would lead to working on some of the world's biggest sporting events. The university gave me the support, confidence and opportunities to overcome challenges, discover my potential and build a career doing something I genuinely love."

Sophie Peskett (award sponsored by Plinth Medical Ltd)

2024 BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science graduate Sophie Peskett became Ipswich Town’s first professional women’s player. She made her senior debut aged just 16 for the club in 2019, establishing herself as a pivotal player, instrumental in two promotions for the club and winning Town’s Player of the Season award for two seasons running.

In the summer she transferred to Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion for a club record fee. She has been a proud advocate for the university, inspiring students and raising the profile of the women’s football in the county.

Sophie said: "Exploring higher education at the University of Suffolk helped me in so many ways. It gives me something to aspire towards when I finish my football career and I also met some great people along the way that have shaped me into the person I am today.”

Dan Wiltshire (award sponsored by RaptorTech Recruitment)

Dan has become a staunch ambassador for the games industry in East Anglia since graduating his BA (Hons) Games Design degree in 2022.

As a game developer, he works with Game Anglia dedicating hours to mentor aspiring developers at college and university, and has helped previous alumni and students to publish their games on Steam.

In addition, he has created an internship programme helping students release their first games while still studying, all while running a small independent studio.

Dan said: "I am very grateful to receive this award in respect of my work within Suffolk, working with developers and students. I look back on my time at the University of Suffolk fondly and am amazed at the distance I have come since graduating. I am looking forward to working with the University of Suffolk in the future to help provide more opportunities for local and young game developers."

Xenia Zimmermann (award sponsored by BT)

Xenia graduated with a First in 2025 from her BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering) degree apprenticeship, staying with her apprenticeship employer, BT, to become a highly valued Subsea Network Engineering Professional.

In 2024 she won the Professional Development Award at the IT and Digital Apprenticeship Awards, before winning the Apprentice of the Year prize at the 2026 Apprenticeship Guide Awards. Beyond her role, she has been involved in outreach and engagement activities through the European Subsea Cable Association to support young women pursuing careers in STEM subjects.

Xenia said: "I feel incredibly honoured to receive the Suffolk Salutes Alumni Award from the very university which has made such a big impact on my life and my career. The University of Suffolk and its lecturers accompanied me step-by-step through my apprenticeship journey, and I’m very grateful for the advice and support I have received along the way. Together with my colleagues at BT, Suffolk has shaped my growth, professionally but also personally, and I look forward to continue collaborating with the university team in the centre of Ipswich and at the DigiTech Centre in Adastral Park to do my part in supporting students and apprentices for years to come.” 

Community Award winners

Joe Bailey

Joe created Punch Studios in Ipswich in 2009 to offer a recording and rehearsal space for young people to write, record and perform music. He followed this by creating Out Loud Music CIC to give access to creative and music opportunities to children and adults with special educational needs or disabilities, and founded the Brighten The Corners multi-venue music festival to showcase local talent and bring touring artists to Ipswich.

This work has included creating Ipswich venues The Smokehouse and The Church, as well as bringing back The Baths into use as a music venue, all while creating opportunities for young people to get involved in running live music events through the Tune Up programme.

Joe said: “I'm really proud and thrilled to be awarded the Suffolk Salutes Community Award. Since setting up Punch Studios in 2009 I've always wanted to be a part of the community of Ipswich, to give young people a chance and platform their talents through music. Being a part of Brighten The Corners has really amplified this ambition, I'm really thrilled to be making a difference. To be recognised for this work is a real honour which I thank the University of Suffolk hugely for.”

Peter Brady

Peter has been a champion of digital innovation in Suffolk for more than 20 years. He founded Orbital Global Group in 2003, which led the development of digital healthcare technology for organisations including the NHS and the Ministry of Justice, before founding VirtTuri in 2015 to develop AI-powered avatars and immersive technologies to improve patient access, winning the 2025 National AI Award for Healthcare.

He also co-founded the Innovation Labs, supporting hundreds of businesses across the region, volunteered with schools and colleges as an enterprise advisor, co-created the AI Festival with BT, and a partnership by his company with the university produced the world’s first augmented reality asthma app for children.

Peter said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this award. I have always been incredibly proud to champion Suffolk and the wonderful people and communities that make it such a special place. It is a privilege to play a part in the county’s continued success, and I look forward to doing so for many years to come.”

Clare Friel

Clare’s work has amplified the voices of those traditionally underrepresented in the construction industry. That has included founding Friel Marketing, where her expertise and understanding of the construction industry have made her a trusted voice in the region, as well as founding Construction Anglia, a digital platform that has become a leading source of industry news and networking.

Her work has also established the Women in Construction Anglia initiative dedicated to supporting women in construction through mentorship, networking and professional development, and has worked with schools and colleges to connect students with employers to bridge the gap between education and industry.

Clare said: “The Suffolk Salutes awards was a brilliant opportunity to shine a light on the amazing achievements of the university’s alumni. It was a fantastic evening showcasing the remarkable endeavours alumni have gone on to do and it was a privilege to spend time with them hearing their incredible stories. To receive the Suffolk Salutes Community Award was an honour, especially at such a wonderful and inspiring event. Thank you to everyone who made the evening so special.”

Elma Glasgow

Through her own business, Elma Glasgow works as a community engagement consultant, facilitator and coach, helping form relationships between underrepresented communities and organisations across Suffolk. 

For instance, in 2021, the formation of Aspire Black Suffolk - the community engagement strand of the co-curated Power of Stories exhibition at Christchurch Mansion that featured costumes from Marvel Studio’s first Black Panther movie, saw her bring together local black community with cultural organisations in Ipswich and Suffolk, creating a movement celebrating black history and culture. She also serves on boards for organisations including HighTide, the Norfolk and Suffolk Culture Board, West Felixstowe Pride in Place and FurtherField. 

Elma said: "I'm delighted to receive the University of Suffolk Community Award. Naturally, I feel honoured to be recognised in this way, but it's also a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to championing inclusion, representation and meaningful community and public engagement."

Kelly Gray

Detective Inspector Kelly Gray has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to tackling organised crime, becoming a leading figure in the national response to county lines criminal exploitation.

She works in the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit to disrupt and prevent county lines networks that exploit children and vulnerable adults in the region, and through her career has led complex investigations into organised crime. In addition, she has helped shape policy for His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, supports the development of future female leaders in policing and has authored the first academic publication examining county lines criminal exploitation in prisons.

Kelly said: "I am deeply honoured to receive the Suffolk Salutes Community Award. My career has been driven by a commitment to protecting vulnerable people, advancing understanding of exploitation, and sharing knowledge through education and research. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration between policing, academia and our communities to create lasting positive change."