Aberystwyth alumnus shortlisted for Education UK Alumni Awards 2015, USA

Mitch Robinson, an alumnus of Aberystwyth University has been shortlisted for a prestigious award by the British Council.

Selected as a finalist in the Professional Achievement category of the Education UK (EDUK) Alumni Awards 2015, Mitch will be recognised for his work at a glittering Gala Dinner in New York on Saturday, 21 March.

The new Education UK Alumni awards, created by the British Council, are intended to recognise outstanding success in Entrepreneurism, Professional Achievement, and Social Impact by people who have graduated from UK higher education institutions within the last ten years.

The Professional Achievement Award recognises alumni who have distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership and achievements in their professional industry, and who can demonstrate the highest level of integrity and character in their professional career.

Mitch graduated in Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the Department of Law and Criminology in 2005, and is an international law expert for the 9/11 death penalty case at Guantanamo Bay.

Mitch’s work was instrumental in obtaining ground breaking reports and precedents from the United Nations regarding due process rights and the rehabilitation of torture victims.

Commenting on his shortlisting, Mitch said: “To be shortlisted for this award is a tremendous distinction, and I will be honoured to attend the Gala Dinner.”

Recognising the contribution his University education has made to his personal and professional development, Mitch commented: “Aberystwyth University provided me with qualities and skills vital to confronting human rights violations at Guantanamo: critical analysis, scholarly rigor, and an awareness of humanity’s complex nature.”

In addition to his legal work, Mitch recently published the first instalments of his novel series, 22:10, an international crime novel which features a “quiet university town on the Welsh coastline” where the main character sought solitude.

Originally from Mississippi, Mitch now lives in Arlington, Virginia, after spending more than a decade living in Wales, Beijing, Geneva, Oslo and Edinburgh.

Congratulating him on his shortlisting, Louise Jagger, Director of Development and Alumni Relations Office at Aberystwyth University said: “We are thrilled that Mitch’s achievements have been recognised and celebrated at the highest levels. We have kept in touch with Mitch since his graduation as an active member of a thriving and committed alumni network in Washington DC. We take huge pride in his career and a real delight in his enthusiasm for Aberystwyth, both as a University and also as a special town close to his heart.”