Graduation season is officially here. Whether you're celebrating on campus or virtually, a huge well done to our 2026 graduates🎓We're proud of all your achievements, and we're excited to welcome you to the global Leeds alumni community: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/graduation/

Our summer graduation ceremonies begin today! We’re excited for a busy few weeks on campus with graduates and their guests celebrating everything they’ve achieved during their time at Leeds 🎓 Congratulations to the new members of our global @leedsalumni.bsky.social community! 💚

Loïc Chave (Sociology 2017) has been named the 26th member of the Leeds Pride List, which celebrates LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from the University community making a positive impact in the pride space. Read about their inspiring journey: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

Leeds has risen to 77th place in the QS World University Rankings, strengthening its position in the world's top 100 universities for 2027 🎉 Climbing nine places this year, Leeds has been in the top 100 globally for nine years in a row, stepping up to 12th among UK institutions on the list.

Last year, we celebrated 25 LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from the global Leeds community making a positive impact in the Pride space. This Pride month, keep an eye out for the announcement of our 26th individual - and revisit our Pride 25: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-pride-25/index.html

This National Volunteers’ Week, we want to say thank you to Leeds volunteers. From talking at offer holder events in China, to organising reunions around the globe, read about how our alumni have given their time to help Leeds students: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/volunteers-week-2026/index.html

For many alumni, our student years provided experiences we cherish today. Find out how the Leeds alumni and supporter community is creating special memories for talented students who might not otherwise have been able to attend higher education: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/your-time-at-leeds/

“The support I’ve received from the University and its donors has changed the landscape for my whole career,” says Eden Page. Read how alumni and donor support changed one graduate’s story – and could help her to save lives years into the future. spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/thanks-to-yo...

Using talents honed at Leeds, two alumni produced Stanley Tucci’s latest series in Italy. Take a read, as they explain the joys and challenges of life on set, and what it’s like to work with Hollywood royalty 👇 www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

High above the Parkinson steps, a pair of peregrine falcons tend to their eggs. The birds are oblivious to their growing global fanbase, but they appear on screens around the world. With the eggs due to hatch any day now, watch the live stream of the nest: sustainability.leeds.ac.uk/our-work/bio...

Former LUU Ents Secretary Stuart Galbraith helped put on shows like The Clash, Simple Minds and U2 at Leeds in the 1980s. In our new podcast episode he discusses gigs at Leeds and going on to work as an events promoter with artists like Ed Sheeran: leedsvoices.captivate.fm/episode/stua...

Happy International Women's Day! From trailblazing sports broadcasters to pioneering scientists, we've gathered six inspiring alumni stories from over the last year - as well as your tributes to Leeds women. Take a read: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/international-womens-day-2026/index.html

On World Book Day, we're paying tribute to our wonderful libraries. You probably became well acquainted with at least one of these treasure troves of books as a Leeds student. From the Laidlaw, to the Edward Boyle, to the Brotherton, did one hold a special place in your heart?

We wish all those celebrating in our global community a very happy and prosperous Year of the Fire Horse. We asked our alumni to reflect on how their time at Leeds helped them to grow - and you can read their responses in our special new year celebration: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/year-of-the-...

A summer stroll across Woodhouse Moor, a rendezvous in the Brotherton Library, a dance in the Union building – Leeds has seen it all. All week, alumni have shared their stories of love at Leeds from the past 70 years. Take a read this Valentine's Day: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/love-at-leed...

We were delighted to welcome broadcaster @jacquioatley.bsky.social MBE (German 1996) back to campus for our Leeds Alumni Voices event. Here, Jacqui describes the day she became the first female female commentator on Match of the Day. Watch the full event back: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...

Last night we welcomed the brilliant @jacquioatley.bsky.social MBE back to campus for an exclusive Leeds Alumni Voices event. If you were unable to join us, stay tuned for a full recording - and make sure to read our recent magazine feature with Jacqui: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...

Are we failing our children? In the latest Leeds magazine, Professor Mark Mon-Williams discusses inequalities faced by young people in disadvantaged communities – and how Leeds is helping address these critical issues: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...

Leeds are harnessing the latest advances in AI to enhance weather prediction and improve climate resilience and food security in West Africa. Read more about Project Cumulus, funded by the Gates Foundation and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

Khadijah Ibrahiim lost her undergraduate dissertation hours before the deadline. Receiving an honorary degree last summer proved less stressful. Read about the Leeds-born literary activist, poet and dramatist, as we celebrate her contribution to the arts: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...

Members of the University community were recognised in the recent New Year Honours, including one of the UK’s foremost climate scientists Professor Piers Forster, awarded a CBE for his ongoing work to tackle climate change. Discover the full Leeds list: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

Is a climate solution just beneath our feet? In the new Leeds magazine, read how the University is replacing the current gas heating system with a geothermal alternative, starting in the Henry Price halls of residence and the engineering buildings: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...

Inspired by his time in Leeds, alumni volunteer Dr Sharique Ahmed Khan has opened access to education for underprivileged communities back home in India. In the new Leeds magazine, we find out how he did it: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026/features/sharique-ahmed-khan/index.html

From heart-warming stories of love at Leeds, to alumni reunions all around the world, it's been a year to remember for the global Leeds community. As 2025 draws to a close, look through some of the Leeds alumni highlights this year: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-alumni-in-2025/index.html

Forced to flee the war in Ukraine, Leeds student Mariia Dmytryk left her home in Kharkiv with just a backpack. Read about her journey to Leeds - and why she's determined to make the most of every opportunity: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026/features/from-kharkiv-to-leeds/index.html

Sports broadcaster Jacqui Oatley MBE (German 1996) began her career in football as a player for the University. In January, Jacqui returns to campus for an exclusive alumni event. Read more and sign up: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026/features/jacqui-oatley/index.html

Happy Christmas to the global Leeds alumni community. We wish all those celebrating a peaceful festive holiday.

Catherine Connolly stormed to victory in the Irish presidential election in October. Leeds historian Dr Alan MacLeod discusses the importance of the Irish presidency, and its significant in modern society: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026/features/irelands-new-president/index.html

Throughout 2025 our global alumni community have connected and celebrated their shared love for Leeds. Take a look through some of the highlights across 113,000 alumni based outside the UK 🔽 🔽 https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026/leeds-journal/leeds-around-the-world/index.html

Will you be tucking into any TV dramas this Christmas? If so, chances are it might have been produced by Leeds alum Jane Featherstone (History and German 1991, Hon DLitt 2019). Find out how in the Leeds magazine: https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazine-2026/features/jane-featherstone/index.html

When the Duchess of Kent’s death was announced earlier this year, tributes flooded in from alumni. In the new Leeds magazine, read about her time as the University's longest-serving Chancellor - and how she secretly became a primary school music teacher in Hull: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...

The new Leeds magazine has landed. Leeds alumni push through society's boundaries, as researchers drill for answers in the Himalayan glaciers - and under campus itself. Read it here: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-magazi...

The Christmas tree is up, the Great Hall has been decked, and winter graduation is here. Huge congratulations to those graduating, as you become a lifelong member of the global alumni community - you can find out more in our welcome to the Class of 2025: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/graduation/

Fareda Al Wakeel (Medical Engineering 2024) has helped bring together the @universityofleeds.bsky.social and UK charity REMAP to create bespoke solutions for disabled people. Read more about Fareda's work as a volunteer with REMAP and how students will get involved: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

After conquering Everest for the 19th time, record-breaking expedition leader Kenton Cool (Geological Sciences 1994, Hon LLD 2018) returned to campus to speak to students about life on top of the world. Read more about how he honed his skills climbing at Leeds: www.leeds.ac.uk/news-alumni/...

Happy Halloween to everyone who’s celebrating! 🎃 We hope you have a fun time with your loved ones during this spooky season. Ghouls and ghosts have been making themselves comfortable on campus… beware!👻

A Leeds alum will be inaugurated as President of Ireland following the country’s election vote. Catherine Connolly graduated in 1981 with an MSc in Clinical Psychology. Catherine then worked as a clinical psychologist and barrister, before entering politics in 1999: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

Thousands of visitors flocked to see the impressive light displays on campus as part of Light Night Leeds this week💡✨ Including a breathtaking collaboration with alum and composer Ilan Eshkeri. Read more about Ilan's return to Leeds: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

Leeds researchers are helping to restore native woodland and rare wildlife to landscapes in the UK – and we need your help.

World-leading alum composer Ilan Eshkeri is returning to Leeds for Light Night 2025. Ilan has created music for the biggest films, TV series, video games, ballets, concerts and documentaries in the world. Read about his collaboration with Light Night Leeds 2025: www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...

We are saddened to learn of the passing of iconic cricket umpire and honorary graduate Dickie Bird. Dickie was described as "one of the greatest characters in Yorkshire's history", and received an honorary degree in recognition of his contribution to sport and the county.

The University was saddened to learn of the passing of the Duchess of Kent last week. As our 5th and longest-serving Chancellor, Her Royal Highness had an enduring association with Leeds - & many alumni may remember her from graduation ceremonies. 📷 © Cultural Collections & Galleries, UoL Libraries

How much did you pay for your oldest item of clothing? A £4 T-shirt can outperform a luxury £395 item, according to Leeds research. If you want clothes that last, or cherish second-hand bargains, find out how price doesn’t always reflect durability 👇 ahc.leeds.ac.uk/arts-humanit...

“It might well have saved my life." Brian Cookson OBE, former President of British Cycling, participated in a recent @universityofleeds.bsky.social study which found that older male athletes are more likely to have scarring in their hearts than non-athletes: www.leeds.ac.uk/news-health/...

From doctors to entrepreneurs, authors to diplomats, we’re proud of our alumni who were successful in the 24-25 Study UK Alumni Awards, which celebrate the achievements of UK alumni living outside the UK. Read their stories, and find out how to apply for 25-26: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/british-coun...

Happy Yorkshire Day to our global community! This year, we asked our alumni to share their favourite spots in the county - because you'll always belong in Yorkshire, no matter where you go in the world. Explore the selection - and share your favourites too: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/yorkshire-da...

That’s a wrap – our summer graduations have come to an end 🎓 Congratulations to the class of 2025 and welcome to the @leedsalumni.bsky.social community 💚 We hope you had the best time celebrating – we can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

1/2 We were saddened to learn that one of the best-known and best-loved characters in rugby league Ray French (Arts Joint Honours 1961) died last week. Ray began his playing career in rugby union whilst studying at Leeds, before switching to rugby league in 1961.

Four individuals received honorary degrees this graduation week, including triathlon coach Jack Maitland (PGCE 1984) and literary activist, theatre maker and poet Khadijah Ibrahiim (MA Theatre Studies 2001). Read more about the recognition👇 www.leeds.ac.uk/main-index/n...

As the UK government prioritises the growth of the AI industry, two Spark alumni are at the forefront of the technology revolution. Find out how the @universityofleeds.bsky.social helped Saile Villegas and Reo Ogusu launch their business, SeeAI: spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/thanks-to-yo...