GCU presents prestigious Alumnus of the Year 2017 awards

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has selected the recipients of its prestigious GCU and GCU London Alumnus of the Year awards for 2017.

GCU Alumnus of the Year will be awarded to Dika Odum, who graduated with an MSc Energy and Environmental Management in 2015.

Dika was chosen for the significant career achievements and charitable work he has undertaken since graduating.

He is currently Managing Director of Kherithdum Limited, a company based in Nigeria offering management consultancy and cooperate training services in the areas of environmental management, energy efficiency, human resource management, finance, business administration, project management and health and safety.

Dika was involved in organising Anambra state’s participation in 2016, for the first time, in World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1972. H He also initiated a project to encourage children in Nigeria to get involved in contributing to environmental sustainability at an early age. He spoke to over 1,500 children on climate change, reuse, recycling and the need to go green.

Dika said: “Nelson Mandela once said that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. GCU equipped me and I’m changing the world around me in my little way.”

The GCU London Alumnus of the Year award goes to Josh Cottrell, who graduated in 2012 with an MSc International Fashion Marketing and who has continued to support the work of the British School of Fashion at GCU London.

In 2013, Josh started working for Arcadia Group, initially as a new business development market researcher before being promoted to international business assistant manager. A rising star, he left the business to start up FAM Clothing, a snow sports brand which aims to bridge the gap between urban street fashion and mountain gear. 

Josh said: “GCU London is a fantastic University where I met some great friends and something that has been integral to my early career development. It was a great shock to receive the award and I feel immensely proud.”

John Taylor, Alumni Engagement Manager said: “The prestigious GCU and GCU London Alumnus of the Year awards are an annual honour in celebration of the successes and contributions of alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years. We look forward to presenting both Dika and Josh with their awards at events later in the year.”