LGBTQ+ campaigner and former footballer Zander Murray has been named among the winners of 麻豆社区 (ENU)’s annual Alumni Awards.
Twice a graduate from the University, in 2022 he became the first male footballer in the senior Scottish game to come out as gay. Since retiring from the sport, he has turned his attention to becoming an advocate for inclusivity, to help others follow in his footsteps.
Zander (above picture) has been named the winner of the Impact Award, which recognises a former student who is making a difference in their community, while supporting ENU’s work.
Reacting to the news, Zander said: “I have such fond memories of my time at Edinburgh Napier and receiving the Impact Award is a true honour. I hope anyone reading my story realises they can be their true self.
“I’m from Glasgow but I toured all the Scottish universities. When I visited Edinburgh Napier, it felt like home.
“My time at ENU was impactful for two reasons. It gave me the courage to start exercising again and I realised I liked being part of a community and helping people.
“I had no idea the impact my story would have. I’ve received thousands of messages from people who connected with my story. That’s led me to what I’m doing now.
“I’ve always wanted to help people, and now I do my talking off the pitch.”
The Edinburgh Napier Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of ENU’s alumni around the world, while showcasing the value of their education.
This year’s winners will be presented with their awards during a celebration event next month.
Rising Star
Among the Alumni Awards winners this year is Larissa Engelmann, who has won the Rising Star Award. It recognises the achievements of a recent ENU graduate.
Larissa (below picture) is a criminologist who completed her undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees at Edinburgh Napier after moving to Scotland from Germany.
During her nine years at the University, her research focussed on the training of police officers in Scotland. She has since gone on to be a Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, looking at the policing of vulnerable groups.
She said: “I’m so grateful that someone took time out of their day to nominate me. It feels amazing to win the Rising Star Award. Now I just need to live up to it!
“Edinburgh Napier has been such a massive part of my life, and this award is a really nice reminder of the great experiences I had at the University.”
Excellence Awards
New for 2024, The Excellence Awards celebrate the professional achievements of ENU alumni, honouring outstanding contributions former students are making in their chosen fields.
BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science alumnus Graeme Jones is among the winners. He was recently appointed Sporting Director at Heart of Midlothian Football Club after spending nine years at the Scottish Football Association.
He said: “I’m of the mindset that things won’t happen if you quit, so it’s better to keep going. Receiving an Alumni Award is an acknowledgment of my career success, and it means a lot to receive it.”
Gill Duncan has been honoured with the Excellence Award for her distinguished work as Director of Edinburgh Science Worldwide, the organisation's international arm. She has recently embarked on a new entrepreneurial venture.
She said: "Receiving the Excellence Award is a true honour. I'm deeply passionate about my work, and that passion makes it easy to stay dedicated and keep moving forward."
One of the UK’s most prominent sports broadcasters Jill Douglas has also been named an Excellence Award winner. She has covered rugby, cycling and the Olympics during her journalism career, and is the former CEO of motor neurone disease charity My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
She said: “Receiving the Excellence Award came as a wonderful surprise, especially because it comes from the alumni community.
I've got nothing but great memories of my time at Edinburgh Napier. It's quite humbling to receive this and a huge honour.”
And Head of Cybersecurity Engineering at Tesco Harry McLaren, who graduated in Computer Security and Forensics in 2014, is being recognised for his decorated career in the industry.
He said: “I feel very proud to receive an Excellence Award. Of all the possible alumni that could have won, it feels amazing to be picked.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor at 麻豆社区, said: “Through the Alumni Awards we celebrate the Difference Makers of the ENU Alumni Network. I’m delighted to bestow the 2024 winners with these awards.
“Zander Murray epitomises Edinburgh Napier’s values. His efforts to promote inclusivity in football are admirable and we are delighted to present him with the Impact Award.
“Our Excellence Award winners are leaders in their field, and I am pleased we can recognise their professional achievements.
“Rising Star accurately describes Larissa Engelmann’s career so far. She is making a substantial impact in both her academic and community work and is certainly one to watch!
“I share my warmest congratulations to the 2024 Alumni Awards winners. They are all role models for the ENU community.”
You can find out more about 麻豆社区’s Alumni Awards here.