Graduate launches into space with SpaceX
Distinguished alum Jannicke Mikkelsen has made history by launching into space aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Jannicke was one of four “space tourists” to experience this groundbreaking 3.5-day privately funded trip, which was the first human spaceflight to circle Earth’s poles.
Overcoming a severe childhood accident that left her temporarily quadriplegic, Jannicke’s journey to space follows a career marked by resilience and determination, which has seen her collaborate with NASA, Sir David Attenborough and Queen, as well as break barriers in virtual reality filmmaking and extreme expedition documentation.
Photo credit: SpaceX/O2XR
National award for alum’s work in the LGBT+ community
A graduate from the University of Wolverhampton has been recognised for his work in the LGBT+ community by winning a national award.
Pliny Soocoormanee, who graduated in 2009 having studied a Master’s degree in international business, won the Positive Role Model Award For LGBT at the National Diversity Awards held at Liverpool Cathedral on October 4, 2024.
Reflecting on his win, Pliny said: “I was deeply honoured to receive the award, but the real victory is for all those in the LGBT+ community whose voices are often silenced. This recognition shines a light on the ongoing struggles we face.”
Former mayor and WLV graduate awarded MBE
An alumna from the University of Wolverhampton and former Wolverhampton mayor has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list.
Councillor Claire Darke, who graduated in 1992 having studied humanities, has received an MBE for services to local government, to disability and to suicide prevention.
When Claire was Mayor of the city between 2019 and 2021, she raised money for the Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum as one of her nominated charities.
Claire said: “It was such an honour to be nominated for an MBE, knowing someone looked at my work and took time to make the nomination.”
Alumna and local charity honoured with King’s Award
A University of Wolverhampton graduate and a local charity have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Beth Bailey, charity director at Nechells POD, graduated with a degree in childhood and family studies and social policy in 2019.
Nechells POD, in Birmingham, was among 281 voluntary groups to receive the King’s Award, which recognises outstanding groups that are making a big difference in their communities.
Reflecting on the award, Beth said: “It’s a tremendous honour to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This prestigious accolade is not given lightly and earning it requires significant dedication and commitment.”
New university collaboration with tech giant IBM
Sean Joyce, cyber security technical specialist for IBM UK&I, has been working closely with the University of Wolverhampton to create a professional link between the two organisations, developing opportunities for further learning and professional development.
The relationship will see students and alumni offered opportunities to visit IBM headquarters, hear from leading tech experts, and benefit from access to a vast suite of resources created and provided by IBM.
Sean graduated in 2016 with a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree and was keen to bring this opportunity to his alma mater.
Honorary graduate invited to Number 10
Charity legend and honorary graduate Manny Singh celebrated and represented his tireless work raising money for Dementia UK with a reception at 10 Downing Street.
Manny has been raising money for Dementia UK since 2018 through epic sponsored walks and his beloved Samosa Saturdays outside Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium, where he serves delicious samosas in exchange for charity donations.
Manny said: “Times like this give us the opportunity to showcase what we do to figures in authority. Nobody should be alone to face this condition.”
University makes top 3 in England for social mobility
The University of Wolverhampton has once again been listed in the top ten universities for social mobility – this time rising five spots to third place out of 101 institutions across England.
The English Social Mobility Index, which is compiled by London South Bank University (LSBU) and published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), compares the performance of individual English higher education providers.
Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Our Strategy 2035 reaffirms our identity as a civic institution powered by our sense of place and connections to our local and global communities.”
Reptile expert reflects on 40+ years of association with university
A snake expert who has been associated with the University of Wolverhampton for over 40 years has reflected on his career, both as a student and academic.
Alum Professor Mark O’Shea MBE’s globe-trotting career has seen him involved in countless herpetological projects, starring in two Amazon Prime reptile shows, receiving an MBE, winning two alumni awards, and attaining a professorship at the university.
Mark said: “When I stand in front of students today, I start by saying, ‘I’m Professor of Herpetology here at the University of Wolverhampton, and 40-plus years ago I was sitting where you are now.’”
WLV Humanitarian of the Year sends message from COP29
Nathalie Flores, University of Wolverhampton Alumni Humanitarian of the Year, sent the university a message from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The alumna advises the Dominican Republic on how to better use resources to overcome the climate crisis and is vice-chair of the United Nations’ climate change science and technology body.
Nathalie said: “Thank you for this Humanitarian of the Year 2024 Alumni Association Award. I’m speechless and grateful for the training I received, and more inspired than ever to get to work. We need to overcome the climate crisis and the environmental crisis.”
Watch her message
University hosts first Kabaddi World Cup outside of Asia
The University of Wolverhampton celebrated the success of the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 in March hosting both the men’s and women’s quarter finals at its Walsall Campus.
This historic moment saw the popular contact sport tournament taking place outside of Asia for the first time and featured elite teams from across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Pan America and Europe.
The university’s sponsorship was instrumental in delivering the event and fostering cultural exchange through sport.
Professor Prashant Pillai MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been part of such a landmark event.”
New medical school planned
The University of Wolverhampton has announced ambitious plans to work in partnership with the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to bring a new medical school to the Black Country.
A strategic business case submitted to the university’s board of governors has been approved, and a memorandum of understanding signed with the University of Birmingham to become the university’s partner, with work commencing on implementation work and the General Medical Council approval process.
Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The addition of medical education is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting the workforce needs of the NHS.”
