University of Leicester Alumni

We are proud to celebrate Aderemi M. Makanjuola (Economics BA 1976), an exceptional alumnus whose work has shaped industries, strengthened communities, and created opportunities for generations.

After graduating from the University of Leicester in 1976, Mr Makanjuola built an extraordinary career spanning finance, aviation, and national development. As founder of Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, he has played a key role in advancing marine and aviation logistics across West Africa.

But it is his commitment to education and opportunity that truly defines his legacy 💙 Mr Makanjuola has:

🎓 Donated multiple 500-seat lecture theatres to universities
🔬 Established advanced molecular biology laboratories
🌍 Supported students and institutions across Nigeria
🎓 Been appointed Chancellor of Edo State University

His philanthropy continues to open doors offering opportunities, inspiring excellence, and directly supporting young people into meaningful careers.

🏆 Honoured as Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and recipient of multiple honorary doctorates, his impact is both national and global.

👏 Join us in celebrating a truly deserving Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Read Aderemi's full award winner biography on our website: https://le.ac.uk/news/2026/may/business-leader-honoured-alumni-university-leicester-nation-building-legacy

Know a Leicester who's done something amazing? Consider nominating them for an Alumni Award. Nominations open at the end of the year for our 2027 awards.

In the meantime, you can submit a nomination for them on our digital Alumni Appreciation Wall: https://le.ac.uk/alumni/alumni-appreciation-wall

Alumni Spotlight: A Legacy of Opportunity

We are proud to celebrate Dr Colin Pitt (Special Chemistry BSc 1956, Chemistry PhD 1959), an exceptional alumnus whose generosity is transforming opportunities for students at the University of Leicester.

After graduating in Chemistry in the 1950s and building a distinguished international career, Dr Pitt has remained deeply committed to giving back. Since 2016, his philanthropy has made a lasting difference - most notably through the Margaret Rankin Pitt Award in Physics, created in memory of his late wife 💙

This award provides multi-year financial support to women in physics, helping them thrive in a field where they remain underrepresented. His continued support has ensured the award’s long-term impact for future generations.

👏 Dr Pitt’s dedication to widening access and empowering students reflects the very best of our alumni community.

🏆 His contribution exemplifies the spirit of the Rhoda Bennett Award for Philanthropy which he is the recipient of in 2026.

Read Dr Colin Pitt's full award winner biography on our website: https://le.ac.uk/alumni/join-us/events/award-winners-showcase

Know a Leicester who's done something amazing? Consider nominating them for an Alumni Award. Nominations open at the end of the year for our 2027 awards.

In the meantime, you can submit a nomination for them on our digital Alumni Appreciation Wall: https://le.ac.uk/alumni/alumni-appreciation-wall

As a you have free career support for life!

We really mean that – our Careers and Employability Service support our alumni community in whatever stage of their career they’re in.

Learn more 👉 https://le.ac.uk/career-development-service

From mock interviews, CV support, access to an online job portal, events and more!

Make sure to maximise your alumni benefits by accessing your lifetime careers support.

Your alumni benefits 👉 https://le.ac.uk/alumni/join-us/benefits

Tag your uni mates to show them some love 💝👇

Today is international friendship day so make sure to share your appreciation for those friends who make your life just that little bit better ✨

This is just the beginning 🎓

Graduation may have felt like the end of an era, but it’s also the start of a fresh new chapter.

As a Leicester alum, you will have the support of the University for life. We’ll always be here to celebrate your achievements and guide you through your career. 💼

We are so proud of what you achieved during your time with us and can’t wait to see what you achieve in your lives beyond campus.

Stay in touch and continue to shine as the inspiring you are ✨

Find out more about your Alumni Association: le.ac.uk/alumni

Share below where your degree has taken you - we can’t wait to hear your stories! ⬇️

Wherever you go in the world, you’ll find someone with a degree from Leicester.

You think we’re exaggerating? Alumni Association Committee member, Dr Charles Tawk (Human Resource Management and Training MSc (DL) 2019), met a fellow Leicester graduate at a bus stop in Istanbul 🤯

Find out more about what it means to be part of our Alumni Association 👉 https://le.ac.uk/alumni

We are proud to celebrate Dr Glynis Wright MBE (English and Philosophy BA 1984, Honorary Doctor of Laws 2023), an exceptional alumna whose dedication to service has made a lasting impact on both the University of Leicester and the wider community.

Since graduating in 1984, Glynis has generously shared her expertise and leadership to support students and strengthen organisations.

As an Entrepreneur in Residence, she mentors students, delivers workshops, and provides invaluable real-world insight to aspiring business leaders.

Her voluntary contributions extend across the University as a Member of Council and Court, a student mentor, and a supporter of initiatives like the Start-Up Business Competition helping shape both student success and institutional strategy.

Beyond campus, Glynis has shown remarkable community leadership, from serving as President of the Leicestershire Law Society to supporting charities and co-founding projects focused on children’s wellbeing.

🏆 Awarded an MBE and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws, her impact reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to education, community, and public good.

👏 Join us in celebrating Glynis and her incredible contribution and as our 2026 winner of the Mary Attenborough Award for Volunteering!

💬 Have you thought about mentoring a current student? You can with our online global mentoring scheme. Email [email protected] to learn more.

Read Dr Glynis Wright's full award winner biography on our website: https://le.ac.uk/alumni/join-us/events/award-winners-showcase

Know a Leicester who's done something amazing? Consider nominating them for an Alumni Award. Nominations open at the end of the year for our 2027 awards.

In the meantime, you can submit a nomination for them on our digital Alumni Appreciation Wall: https://le.ac.uk/alumni/alumni-appreciation-wall