The awards recognise and celebrate our graduates who are making a difference, inspiring change, and making a positive impact in the community.

This year the awards will include two new categories:

Alumni Community Hero Award: Celebrating our alumni who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in the local community and who have contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others, and the betterment of society

Alumni Rising Star Award: Celebrating innovative and successful young alumni who have showcased determination, drive and excellence in the workplace or community, who are paving the way for others to follow, demonstrating strong leadership and teamwork skills

Alumni Outstanding Contribution Award: Recognising the incredible voluntary contribution that alumni make to the life and community of the University, through enriching the experience, knowledge and employability of students, or facilitating opportunities for business development and business growth.

Nominations are open on 1 Feb until 10 March and anyone can nominate an alumnus – staff, students, other alumni, general public etc.

One of this year’s judging panel is former winner of the Alumni of the Year Award, Ian Blackmore, who was recognised by the University for 25 years of voluntary service to sports alumni.

Ian is continuing his work at the University and is looking forward to celebrating outstanding graduates who have taken their own time to make a difference.

He said: “It was lovely to be recognised by the institution for 25 years of voluntary service to the sports alumni, the SU and, more recently, the Alumni department and Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It has encouraged me to keep giving time moving forwards to these projects that I am clearly passionate about.

“As last year's winner, I have kindly been asked to help judge this year’s entries and I am mostly looking forward to getting a chance to read through all the brilliant entries and hear people's stories. I am always blown away every year at the Canterbury Christ Church University Alumni Volunteer of the Year Awards by the sheer number of alumni that are giving time back to the institution and the diversity of projects that they are involved in. It's truly inspirational.

“For me it doesn't feel like volunteering really, it's more a continuation of those things I was passionate about during my time at Christ Church - C4 Sport and the Students’ Union."

Ian has set up various reunions with sports alumni over the years and mentors teams in the buildup to the eagerly anticipated Varsity week, in which Christ Church and the University of Kent go ahead to head in different sports challenges.

“As one of the founders of Varsity back in 1999, it's important personally – being able to speak to the current teams every year about the history of varsity, carrying on the traditions that pass down each year and then on the week itself, being able to cheer on the teams is great,” Ian said.

“There really is no buzz bigger than getting one over that lot up the hill.

“I had a great time at uni and see my role as helping to protect and enhance our traditions, whilst mentoring the next generation so that they can fulfil all that they want from their time at the University. We really are a family at Christ Church, especially amongst the sports teams, and like a real family, it crosses generations but has common themes running through it. And it's ever growing. As we often sing amongst the sports teams, it really is a case of "C4 'til we die!".

Eligible nominations will be shortlisted by representatives from the Graduate Futures Department. The shortlisted nominees will then be considered against the published criteria by a panel of judges made up of senior members of staff from the University and last year’s Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award winner Ian Blackmore.

Visit the Alumni Hub to nominate and find further details on the award categories and criteria, and specific terms and conditions.

Winners will be announced at the Gala dinner event on 10 June.