For contribution to sporting achievements
Cheryl Foster MBE
A pioneering figure in Welsh sport, Cheryl Foster MBE has excelled as both a player and referee, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her outstanding career began at ¾«¶«´«Ã½ City FC, before she went on to play for some of the UK’s most prominent clubs including Liverpool FC Women. A former Wales international with 63 caps, she has helped raise the profile of women’s football. Transitioning to refereeing, she made history as the first Welsh woman to officiate at a FIFA Women’s World Cup and and was named as the referee for the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in 2023. A passionate advocate for equality, grassroots development, and female leadership in sport, Cheryl is also a treble alumna of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (HND Sports Science 2003, BSc Sport, Health & Physical Education 2005, PGCert Physical Education 2006), exemplifying lifelong learning and dedication.
Benjamin Pritchard PLY
An inspirational athlete and ¾«¶«´«Ã½ alumnus, Benjamin Pritchard graduated in 2013 with an LLB in Law before going on to achieve remarkable success in para-rowing. Born and raised in Mumbles, South Wales, Benjamin was a former cyclist and triathlete before a life-changing cycling accident in 2016 left him paralysed from the waist down. During rehabilitation at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, he discovered rowing and quickly rose through the ranks, joining the GB Para Rowing Team in 2017. Making his international debut in 2019, Benjamin has since represented Great Britain at multiple championships, becoming a European Champion, World and European Record Holder, and World Champion. A particular highlight was winning Gold in the PR1 men’s single sculls at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, where he set the new Paralympic record. His determination, resilience, and sporting excellence continue to inspire athletes across the UK. Benjamin was named .
For contribution to Welsh culture, language, music, and the arts
Hanan Issa
A Welsh-Iraqi poet, filmmaker, scriptwriter, and artist, Hanan Issa is the current Welsh Poet Laureate - the first Muslim to hold the title. Appointed following a public nomination and rigorous selection process, she champions the ancient Welsh poetic form cynghanedd and aims to broaden engagement with poetry. Her work explores themes of identity, belonging, and nature. A versatile creative, she wrote and directed The Golden Apple (2022) and contributed to Channel 4’s We Are Lady Parts. Her writing also features in notable anthologies, including Welsh (Plural): Essays on the Future of Wales and Just So You Know: Essays of Experience, which she co-edited.
Professor Pedr ap Llwyd PLSW
Professor Pedr ap Llwyd, former Chief Executive and National Librarian of the National Library of Wales, has played a leading role in making knowledge, culture, and heritage more accessible to people across Wales. He championed major digitisation and outreach projects, helping transform the Library into an open and inclusive national resource. A ¾«¶«´«Ã½ graduate (BA Welsh 1983, Dip. Archive Administration 1984, MA Archive Administration 2002), he has built strong links with the University and supported Welsh cultural research. Deeply connected to North Wales, his recent work with the National Heritage Lottery Fund shows his dedication to the region, including support for key heritage projects in Llanberis and Bethesda.
Gwyn Lewis Williams
A ¾«¶«´«Ã½ alumnus (MA Music 1970) and former lecturer, Gwyn Lewis Williams has enjoyed a distinguished career in the arts for over 50 years. A former professional trumpeter and BBC senior music producer, he has led major institutions including Theatr Ardudwy, Llangollen International Music Festival, and TÅ· Cerdd. As Director of Music with Cantorion Menai since 2017, he has expanded its repertoire and fostered collaborations with leading local ensembles. A passionate conductor and champion of Welsh music, he has commissioned and premiered new works, mentored young talent, and promoted Welsh composers. Recently, he conducted Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius at the University, featuring 180 singers, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra, and international soloists. A pre-concert talk with Sir Terry Waite highlighted the work’s profound impact, reflecting Gwyn’s commitment to inspiring musical experiences in North Wales.
For public service (including health)
Sharon Manning MBE
Sharon Manning, originally from Lancashire, dedicated over 30 years to the NHS in Wales. Beginning her career as a cleaner in 1989 at Glan Clwyd Hospital, she progressed to become a Macmillan Gynaecology Oncology Specialist Nurse. Inspired to qualify as a nurse in 2000, she trained at ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (BN Nursing 2004) and later pioneered the use of the Rocket Drain, a service enabling cancer patients to manage symptoms at home. Her innovation transformed palliative care and was adopted across North Wales. Sharon received a Macmillan Innovation Award and Fellowship in 2017 and retired in 2022 after years of compassionate, patient-centred care.
Alison Field
In 2024, Alison Field became the 77th President and Chair of the Royal Forestry Society, marking a distinguished 50-year career in forestry across the public and private sectors. A trailblazer for women in the profession since graduating from ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (BSc Forestry 1978), she is one of the few to have reached its highest levels. Her leadership spans the Forestry Commission, National Forest, English Woodlands Forestry Ltd, and other key organisations. Known for her commitment to diversity, public service and enterprise, Alison has made a lasting impact across the UK, with notable contributions to woodland management in Wales and beyond.
Mr David Jones FRCS, RCS Ed (Orth)
A distinguished orthopaedic surgeon, Mr David Jones FRCS, FRCS Ed (Orth) has dedicated his career to advancing orthopaedic and trauma care generally and children’s orthopaedics in particular. Originally from Ireland, he studied medicine at Manchester University. His orthopaedic training was based at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London before moving to ¾«¶«´«Ã½, where he led the team which established the pioneering Accident Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd, a model later recognised as gold standard across the UK. He went on to serve as Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. A former Hunterian Professor and Council Member of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, President of the British Orthopaedic Association and President of the Welsh Orthopaedic Society, David has published widely, lectured internationally, and though retired, continues to contribute to medical education, history of medicine and charitable work involving children.
For services to business and entrepreneurship
Toby Dixon
Alumnus Toby Dixon (BA Business & Marketing 2002) has built a successful career in sustainable and impactful entrepreneurship. He founded Marlin Green, a £30+ million multinational recruitment firm, serving as CEO and Chairman. Toby now invests in ventures promoting employee wellbeing and environmental innovation across sectors such as EV charging, water management, and personalised nutrition. He supports social enterprises like Syntherix, a cancer drug in clinical trials, and is an early investor in Steven Bartlett’s Flight Fund. His latest venture, Growth Fund 1, is an exclusive private equity fund supporting founder-led businesses focused on sustainable, high-growth opportunities with strong financial potential.
For outstanding scholarship and innovation
Dr Keith Hiscock MBE
Dr Keith Hiscock has been a driving force in UK marine conservation for over 50 years. His pioneering work in Marine Protected Areas, species monitoring, and underwater habitats began during his PhD (Marine Biology 1976) at ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (then the University College of North Wales). A skilled diver and underwater photographer, he published over 90 scientific papers and several influential books. He led national programmes on marine biodiversity and advised government bodies, playing a key role in shaping marine policy. Awarded an MBE in 2023, Keith continues to inspire marine scientists through his research, leadership, and commitment to the UK’s marine environment.
Dr Leanne Cullen-Unsworth
An inspiring scientist, conservationist, and leader, Dr Leanne Cullen-Unsworth graduated from ¾«¶«´«Ã½ with an MSc in Environmental Protection (2001). Named one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2023, she is a pioneering voice in marine conservation and sustainability. As Chief Executive Officer of Project Seagrass, Leanne leads global efforts to protect and restore seagrass meadows - vital ecosystems that support fisheries, biodiversity, and climate resilience. With over 20 years of interdisciplinary research experience, her work bridges environmental, social, and economic sciences to promote conservation that includes people as part of the ecosystem. A passionate advocate for nature and future generations, Leanne continues to raise global awareness of seagrass conservation and its crucial role in protecting our planet.
Judith Batchelar OBE
A leading figure in food, farming, and sustainability, Judith Batchelar OBE is a biochemist and nutritionist who has spent over 40 years transforming the UK’s food industry. After beginning her career in pharmaceuticals and teaching, she held roles at Bass, Mars, and Marks & Spencer, before joining Sainsbury’s as Director of Sainsbury’s Brand (2004–2021), driving innovation, quality, and sustainability. Deeply committed to environmental and social progress, Judith is involved with numerous organisations, among them UKCEH, Defra, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, The British Nutrition Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and is Chair of the Advisory Board, Healthy and Sustainable Places Data Services at Leeds University. Judith was the head judge for the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Innovation and Leadership Training Award programme in April 2023. A Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Royal Society of Arts, she was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to farming and the food industry.
For regional contribution
Professor David T Jones
Professor David T Jones has a longstanding relationship with ¾«¶«´«Ã½, becoming its first Honorary Fellow in 1988. A former GP and senior health service administrator, he was instrumental in developing community hospitals and improving services for people with learning difficulties. He played a key role in the planning and consultation process for Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and was known for his strong engagement with local GPs. He served as Chief Medical Officer and later General Manager of Clwyd Health Authority. Through philanthropic donations to the University, Professor Jones has established the David T Jones Celtic Fine Art Fund and The Eleanor Henderson Pearson Prize for Midwifery, in memory of his late mother.