DMU at 150: Student stories

For the past 150 years, people from all over the world have been coming to De Montfort University in all its forms to study and many have gone on to make big impacts in all areas of life.

Here are some of their stories.

Sam Tretton is helping to change the damaging cycle of fast-fashion with her bespoke and sustainable designs.

Environmental scientist Nick Ashton-Jones was welcomed to DMU to share the remarkable story of climate activist, human rights lawyer Oronto Douglas.

DMU welcomed award-winning entrepreneur and alumnus Mark Esho back to campus to talk about the incredible story of resilience that is his life and career.

A DMU alumnus has spoken about his "truly special" experience working on the visual effects for Chernobyl, which has become one of the year’s most celebrated TV series.

DMU latest Alumnus of the Month is Andy Gundelach, co-founder and creative director of specialist film and video production agency Created By TEN.

When Carol Leeming enrolled onto the Youth and Community Work course in the early 1980s at what was then called Leicester Polytechnic, she couldn’t have imagined she would be receiving the ‘alumna of the month’ 39 years later.

More than 60 years on from his time at DMU, and after a distinguished career in pharmacy, Arthur returned to the campus to share his experiences.

Elaine received an MBE for her efforts in supporting those with Asperger's syndrome and autism through the charity Action for Asperger's.

Hilary Radley has had numerous successes in the fashion world, being recognised for her work in knitwear that took her around the globe.

Graphic Design graduate Mark has had an impressive career across the television industry, creating adverts, music videos and feature length documentaries.

English Literature and Creative Writing graduate Nathan landed a commission to write and perform a poetic narrative of DMU's history.

Tom's time at DMU was "where it all began" for his career as an entrepreneur, publisher, a media advisor, author and CEO.

Dr Bijna Dasani, Head of Architecture and Innovation at Lloyds Banking Group, graduated in 2005 and was made an Honorary Doctor in Business Administration in 2018. She’s since been named one of the world’s top 100 female executives.

Securing a placement with Rolls-Royce during his final year of studying Business and Globalisation at DMU resulted in a job offer at the firm for grad Gareth Watson.

Law alumnus Umar Kankiya secured his dream job leading the mental health department at Sternberg Reed Solicitors, after being headhunted by industry experts.

Jess graduated with a BSc in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science in 2016 and is the founder and director of BeScience which promotes science, technology, engineering and maths. Here she explains how one of her road shows filled a football stadium in Sierra Leone.

Law graduate Nahied Asjad (nee Aslam) is now a judge. And she has told aspiring DMU graduates to be prepared to work hard, never lose heart and keep trying to get to where they want to be.

These Contour Fashion graduates both run their own successful fashion labels – and they’re passing on tips to current DMU students on how to make it.