Suffolk Salutes: Celebrating Alumni Excellence

BA (Hons) Fine Art
Class of 2011
Selected for outstanding contribution to, and impact on, the global art scene

Since graduating from the University of Suffolk, Ania has become a self-employed artist. She won the Young Artist Award at the BP Portrait Awards, granted by National Portrait Gallery in 2018 and since then has exhibited her work across the world. Ania has had solo shows in the UK, France, Germany, Los Angeles and New York. Alongside her incredible portfolio of solo shows, Ania has featured in many group shows from The Dorcester Hotel to Mall Galleries to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery as well as the National Portrait Gallery in London. With over 40 group shows and 10 solo shows, Ania has made a significant impact in her area.

As well as her many shows, Ania has participated in the PLOP Residency, London in 2021 as well as the Fores Project Residency, London in 2020 and most recently the Super Super Markt Lithograph collaboration in Berlin.

Ania was nominated for her inspirational career, her influence on the art community and her outstanding talent.

“As a student, it was clear to see that Ania had a fascination with portraiture, and I still remember her degree show series of works. It has been wonderful to see her work develop over the years, establishing her practice as an accomplished contemporary figurative painter who is showing work internationally whilst still maintaining a studio and presence in Suffolk. She is a deserved winner of the Suffolk Salutes Prize and continues to be an inspiration to our students.” – Dr Jane Watt, Senior Lecturer

Plaque sponsored by Kirsten Rausing

BSc (Hons) SEND
Class of 2018
Selected for remarkable demonstration of compassion, kindness, and heroism

At the age of 18, Alexandra began working as a support worker for young disabled people in Suffolk. This inspired her to study Special Educational Needs and Disability Studies at the University of Suffolk. During her time studying, Alexandra won Dissertation of the Year Award 2018 for her research exploring perspectives of young men with Down’s Syndrome on love.

Since graduating, Alexandra has founded the incredible charity, Project 21. The charity provides activities and clubs for people with Down’s Syndrome in the East of England such as flash mobs, dance classes and cultural visits. They listen to the voices of the Down’s Syndrome community and encourage people with Down’s Syndrome to live happy and fulfilled lives. The charity operates in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex.

Alexandra was nominated for her altruism and commitment to a worthy, important cause. Her hard work, determination and passion has seen the charity go from strength to strength. Alexandra is an inspiration to all.

“Alexandra is incredibly inspiring. Founding her charity in 2018, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that people with Down's Syndrome have a voice in a society that commonly underestimates them.” – Kate Burgess, Alumni Relations Manager

Plaque sponsored by The Jagpal Family

BSc (Hons) Midwifery
Class of 2021
Selected for outstanding contribution to the NHS and impact on the wellbeing of her colleagues

As a midwife, Imogen is fully aware of the challenges faced by those working in the NHS and the demands of a career in midwifery. Through her incredible Instagram account, Imogen is on a mission to bring back passion that many have lost in the NHS and to support her fellow midwives by providing advice, guidance, and top tips.

Imogen is a shining light, using her social media platform to put positive energy into the world. Her substantial following enjoy seeing the incredible highs and difficult lows of a career in midwifery. She uses her platform to motivate, inform and inspire. Imogen has advocated for midwives, highlighting the impact of such a career on mental health. She has also shared learning opportunities and revisited the University to share learnings with current students.

Imogen was nominated for not only for her fantastic work as a midwife with the NHS, but also for her dedication to the profession. She uses her voice to support colleagues and midwives across the UK.

“We always received positive feedback from practice regarding Imogen. She was professional, kind, compassionate and demonstrated excellent skill development. She was a valued member of the midwifery society.” – Fiona Judge, Head of Midwifery

Plaque sponsored by Kirsten Rausing

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Class of 2020
Selected for outstanding contribution to her sport and impact on the University’s reputation

Jasmin’s record-breaking career sees her as the record holder for British skier with the most World Cup and World Championship medals. Amongst her many achievements, she won her first FIS World Cup medal in 2013, the first medal for a Briton in the FIS Telemark World Cup. Furthermore, she has won medals at the 2015, 2017 and 2023 FIS Telemark World Championships, including Britain’s first ever medal at these championships.

Her exceptional career began on the dry ski slope in Ipswich before she took up telemark skiing at the age of 15 after being invited to train in Les Houches, France, by the British Ski Academy. In 2012, she sold items at a car boot sale which enabled her to compete at that year’s British Championships. She won the event and is now five-time British Champion. As well as skiing, Jasmin is a professional Ski Instructor and Coach.

Jasmin was nominated because of her award winning, inspirational career. She is a trailblazer and an excellent ambassador for the University of Suffolk.

“Jasmin demonstrates what can be achieved both academically and in her chosen field of Telemark skiing and this will inspire others to believe that they can succeed and achieve. Jasmin has made an outstanding contribution to her chosen sport, to her hometown of Ipswich and to her university.” – Professor Helen Langton, Previous Vice-Chancellor

Plaque sponsored by Dr Mark Murphy MBE

BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology
Class of 2014
Selected for outstanding contribution to the NHS and impact on aspiring University of Suffolk students

Since graduating from the University of Suffolk, Jemma has worked as a Therapeutic Radiographer at Addenbrookes and Ipswich Hospital, progressing to a senior radiographer and practice educator. In 2021, Jemma became a Lead Practice Education Facilitator for Allied Health Professions (AHPs), focusing on increasing student placement capacity and improving the quality of learning environments. Most recently, Jemma has commenced a seconded role in the Suffolk and Northeast Essex (SNEE) Integrated Care System (ICS) as AHP Faculty Lead. This role aims to develop and co-ordinate collaborative working across AHP service providers and University partners in our system, including the University of Suffolk.

Jemma is a true ambassador for the University of Suffolk. Not only has she continued her learning at the university by completing a post graduate certificate on the Joint Suffolk Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA), but Jemma is utilising her skills, knowledge, and experience to help others develop in a field she is truly passionate about. With a recruitment and skills crisis currently in the NHS, Jemma is celebrated for inspiring the next generation to join the NHS and wider health and care sectors.

Jemma was nominated for her incredible career within the NHS as well as her commitment and passion to supporting current University of Suffolk students at the start of their exciting careers in healthcare.

“A key skill as a therapeutic radiographer is adaptability and Jemma’s career since qualifying has certainly demonstrated how adaptable she is. Jemma is an inspirational leader and I look forward to watching where her career takes her.” – Zoe Grant, Senior Lecturer in Therapeutic Radiography

Plaque sponsored by Kirsten Rausing

BA (Hons) English and MA Creative and Critical Writing
Class of 2019 and 2021
Selected for remarkable demonstration of compassion, kindness, and heroism

During her time at the University of Suffolk, Kay was regularly involved with university life as well as winning multiple awards. She was involved with the Student’s Union, she won Student of the Year, East Anglian Daily Times Award for Professional Writing, and the Suffolk Book League Award for Best Dissertation in English.

Her love of education resulted in her returning to study a Masters. During this time, she was longlisted for the Student New Angle Prize 2021 and acted as editor-in-chief for the MA anthology ‘Suffolk Folk’.

As well as her plethora of achievements, Kay was nominated for her exceptional kindness. Kay was kind to all, inclusive in her approaches and always went above and beyond for fellow students. Kay worked to promote students via her writing at the Student Life Magazine. She instigated a writing competition via Student Life magazine and encouraged all students to be part of the university. Kay was an absolute key stone for student engagement and for creating a sense of belonging amongst students during her time at the university.

“She was an outstanding member of the English student body and the staff still miss her, for her hard work and talent on her course, for her bright personality, her kindness to others and her brilliant ability to inspire and motivate fellow students.” – Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Associate Dean

Plaque sponsored by Kirsten Rausing