Congratulations to graduates from the Department of Psychology, who received Alumni Awards from the University of Liverpool on Thursday 25 September 2025.
Graduates who received Alumni Awards include Professor Michelle McManus, who graduated from MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology in 2009, and later graduated with a PhD in Psychology in 2012.
Following graduation, Professor McManus co-created KIRAT (Kent Internet Risk Assessment Tool) and has driven UK safeguarding frameworks.
She has also advised Government and policing at the national level, and co-founded Manchester Metropolitan’s Institute for Children’s Futures, championing multi-agency, evidence-based responses to harm.
Paul Stephen Growney, who graduated from BSc Hons Psychology in 2009, also received an Alumni Award.
After beginning his degree in chemistry then switching to psychology at the University, he discovered a vocation in mental health through volunteering with Samaritans.
He has since led impactful third-sector programmes, founded the Barbara Bettle Foundation (10,000+ funded counselling sessions), served as an NHS non-executive director, and earned multiple awards for community impact and leadership.
Paul also leads a Merseyside social care charity delivering over 20,000 hours of home care each month.
.jpg)
Actor and Comedian Milo McCabe, who graduated in 1998 from BSc Hons Psychology, also received a 2025 Alumni Award.
Milo created viral character Troy Hawke and the hit series The Greeters Guild, building a devoted following with sharp improvisation and warmth.
A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe and international festivals, he also serves as an ambassador for An Hour For Others, supporting Liverpool communities and opening the charity’s Huyton base in character as Troy.
You can read more about this year's Alumni Award winners here.