Gold medal winning boxer among university alumni honoured with achievement awards

Four Aston University alumni, including a gold medal winning boxer, were recognised for their success at this year’s Aston Achievement Awards.

The Exceptional Achievement Award went to Delicious Orie, who graduated with a BSc Economics and Management in 2020.

Delicious, an elite boxer, won Gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 European Games and represented Team GB at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite his rigorous training schedule, he achieved a First in his degree.

The Early Impact Award, for early career alumni who have made a significant impact in their fields and society over the last 12 months, was won by Christian Nwachukwu who graduated with an MSc Entrepreneurship in 2022.

Christian, founder of 10mg Pharma and HealthBridge Africa, has revolutionised healthcare access across Africa through AI-driven funding solutions and an innovative loan system which removes barriers for healthcare providers to obtain necessary resources.

The UK Award, for UK-based alumni who have made a significant impact in their fields or society over the last year, was given to Dr Sandeep Sandhu, who graduated with a BSc Biomedical Science in 2010.

As head of stakeholder relationships at Innovate UK Business Connect, Sandeep has championed gender equality as a UN Women UK delegate. In her role as a UK Young Academy leadership team member, she is helping shape the voice of young professionals in research and innovation and has led over 20 outreach events in the last 12 months to inspire underrepresented groups, including girls and people of colour.

The International Award, for alumni based outside the UK who have made a significant impact internationally over the last year, was awarded to Dr Shellyza Sajwani, who graduated with an MPharm in 2010.

Shellyza, a clinical pharmacist at Ottawa Hospital and president of Climaceutics Health Solutions, has advanced pharmacy’s role in climate change and global health. She co-led the world’s first international climate policy for pharmacy, impacting over four million professionals and in 2024 was honoured with the Olivier Bugnon Award - awarded to one mid-career pharmacist every three years - for international contributions to pharmacy practice.

Kerrie Holland, executive director of community, alumni relations and development at Aston University, said: “The Alumni Achievement Awards, held for the first time in 2024, aim to celebrate alumni who have made a significant impact in their fields and on society and to inspire future students and graduates to make a positive impact and create lasting change.

“The panel of judges was deeply impressed by the quality of all 70 nominations received for the first year of these awards, highlighting the breadth and diversity of Aston University’s global alumni community.

“I should like to congratulate all four winners on their well deserved success.”

Pictured (L-R): Sandeep Sandhu, Delicious Orie and Shellyza Sajwani