The Dunelmensis Award

The Dunelmensis Award is given by the University’s Senate to a Durham alumnus or alumna for meritorious and exceptional service in support of the University, particularly for our institutional advancement and for enhancing the University’s reputation, nationally and internationally.

Congratulations to our Dunelmensis Award winners 2025:

Dr Tahani Al Terkait (Politics, Ustinov College, 2018)

Dr Al Terkait completed her PhD in School of Government and International Affairs as our first al-Sabah Programme Doctoral Fellow and since her graduation a decade ago has been a loyal and supportive advocate of Durham University. She has played a leading role in strengthening engagement with our alumni communities in the Gulf and has volunteered to take on responsibility for alumni relations in this important region, where we have a significant and growing alumni base. She has been instrumental in hosting delegations and meetings at major universities and the leadership of the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute.

Dr Alterkait continues to promote the University and has been active in encouraging postgraduate study at Durham. She has actively coordinated her efforts with our International Office and academic departments. Her continuing support is proving vital in our efforts to deepen our partnerships in the Gulf.

James Riley (Geography, University College, 1979-1982) 

James Riley is an exceptional ambassador. His activity has contributed to the key strategic objectives of the University and enhanced the University’s reputation in Hong Kong and beyond. In 2022 he made a gift to support the redevelopment of the Fellows’ Garden at University College. His generous support has enabled the Fellows’ Garden to be accessed by a wider audience. It will be used to stage performances and as an open space accessible by students across the institution.

James regularly visits Durham to celebrate achievements, including the opening of the Fellows’ Garden in October 2025. James has over 30 years of experience as a key figure in senior management of the Jardine Matheson Group and CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotels Group. He is committed to sustaining and enhancing connections with Durham’s alumni community in Hong Kong and around the world. 

Previous Dunelmensis Recipients

Previous Dunelmensis Recipients

• 2010 - Robert Klein (Grey, 1972)
• 2010 - Graham Barker (Van Mildert, 1980)
• 2012 - Henry Dyson (Grey, 1977)
• 2013 - Stephen Gregory (Grey, 1969)
• 2016 - Ocean Wang (Ustinov, 2009)
• 2016 - Patrick Salaun (Hatfield, 1967)
• 2016 - Lilian Groves (St Hild & St Bede, 1975)
• 2018 - Sir Peter Ogden (University, 1968)
• 2018 - Mark Hillery (Collingwood, 1988)
• 2019 - Ian Ellison-Taylor (Grey, 1990)
• 2019 - Rev Canon Dr Chuck Robertson (Graduate Society, 1999)
• 2020 - Joanna Barker MBE (Collingwood, 1981)
• 2020 - Dr Rashmi Misra (St Mary's, 1992)
• 2021 - Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter (Hatfield, 1984)
• 2021 - Smiti Kumar (Graduate Society, 1981)
• 2021 - Richard Roberts (St John's, 1979)
• 2021 - Charles Wilson (Grey, 1986)
• 2022 - Ziging Yan (Ustinov, 2009)
• 2022 - Michael Shearer OBE (Trevelyan, 1996)
• 2022 - Dr Robert Banks (St Cuthbert's Society, 1995)
• 2023 - Alex Nelson (University, 1983)
• 2023 - Jonathan Hazan (Hatfield, 1991)
• 2024 - Kate Davies (Collingwood College, 1981)
• 2024 - Ralph Grayson (Hatfield, 1988)