Rule-breakers and change-makers: 30ish alumni making a big impact
31 October 2022
The university’s first 30(ish) Awards celebrated the achievements of alumni who have made a positive contribution to their community, and all before they hit 30. Well, 30(ish).
Eschewing the format of traditional ’30 Under 30’ lists, the inaugural awards were open to alumni under or over 30, who feel 30(ish). Designed to recognise the change-makers, innovators, and rule-breakers in the Cardiff University alumni community, there was an overwhelming response, with nearly 300 nominations submitted. Or 300(ish).
Alumni from across the globe and a wide range of industries, nominated themselves, or were put forward by their fellow alumni, staff, or colleagues.
30(ish) winners were invited to the inaugural awards event at the University’s innovative sbarc | spark building, hosted by Chair of Council and alumnus Pat Younge (BSc 1987) and emceed by alumna Babita Sharma (BA 1998). Around 70 alumni, guests and staff attended this special night, with some travelling from as far as the USA and Canada to receive their awards.
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences alumni featured among the glittering list of winners, including alumnus Jack Collard (BSc 2021) from the School of Geography and Planning.
While still a student, Jack founded British Roundnet, a wholly voluntary, non-profit national governing body for the sport of roundnet in England, Scotland and Wales.
They have set out on a mission to encourage more people to be active, grow the roundnet community and ultimately gain recognition with Sport UK. Jack leads a team of 12 (and additional volunteers) in delivering national tournaments and events for the public, university students and school children of all levels.
Under Jack’s leadership, they’ve undergone a hugely successful rebrand, resulting in their first ever round of sponsorship drawing c.£6,000+ of investment. This has directly fed into their elite players programme, ensuring representation of Britain at the inaugural Roundnet World Cup.