University celebrates former students' successes

Author Abi Dare is one of three former students taking part in the campaign

A best-selling author, an Emmy-nominated visual effects supervisor and a successful businesswoman are being celebrated for their achievements as former students of Wolverhampton University.

The trio are part of an advertising campaign by the university which says the aim is of "inspiring the next generation to be ambitious".

Photos of author Abi Dare, special effects specialist Manolo Mantero and businesswoman Deana Uppal have been put up at locations around the city.

Three other former alumni will be celebrated later this year, the university said.

Manolo Mantero graduated from the University of Wolverhampton and went on to work on films including Dune

The "Every Story has a Start" campaign "captures the amazing achievements" of some of our graduates", Prof Ebrahim Adia, vice-chancellor at the university, said.

"It’s amazing to see that every single one of these stories started right here in Wolverhampton," he added.

Ms Dare's debut novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice, was published in 2020 and became a New York Times bestseller, the university said.

Manolo Mantero, from Spain, received an Emmy nomination for his work on Netflix's Stranger Things and also featured on Hollywood blockbuster Dune, which won an Oscar and a Bafta for Best Visual Effects.

He had more than 20 years of experience in the industry, the university said.

Businesswoman and former Miss India UK, Deana Uppal, has launched several domestic and overseas companies and runs the Kindness Diaries Charitable Trust, which helps children in India.

Deana Uppal launched several businesses after her graduation, the university said

David Wedge, deputy head of alumni relations at the university, said the campaign put a spotlight on some of their "most exciting and unique alumni".

"We keep in touch with many of our graduates and follow their careers, celebrating their successes in Wolverhampton and around the world," he added.

“To hear our alumni talk in-depth about their journeys – and the role the university played in laying the foundations of their success – is inspiring."