Past Award Winners

Honoring Distinguished UNYP Graduates (2018–Present)

The UNYP Alumni of the Year Award recognizes graduates whose professional achievements, leadership, and community impact reflect the highest standards of the University of New York in Prague.

Since 2018, the award has honored alumni across business, technology, communication, entrepreneurship, and public service—both in the Czech Republic and internationally.

These recipients represent the global reach and professional excellence of the UNYP alumni community.

2025 – Petr Jirsa

Class of 2024 – B.A. in International Relations

Petr Jirsa embodies academic excellence, leadership, and entrepreneurial impact. A three-time Academic Achievement Award recipient and SUNY Empire State University Class of 2024 Valedictorian, he played a central role in student leadership as Student Council Clubs Coordinator and Vice President.

He founded Česká stopa, a digital platform promoting Czech history and heritage, now reaching more than 130,000 followers and collaborating with major institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NATO.

In 2024, Petr published a national bestseller and delivered a TEDxUNYP talk, demonstrating the impact of combining academic achievement with public engagement.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/ceska-stopa 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceskastopa/?hl=cs

2024 – Nikki Severin

Class of 2017 – Communication & Mass Media

Nikki Severin serves as Brand & Marketing Manager at Bohemia Interactive, the largest video game development studio in the Czech Republic.

During her time at UNYP, she was Student Council President and actively shaped student life initiatives. Despite overcoming significant personal health challenges, Nikki built a distinguished career in marketing, voice acting, and film. She actively supports organizations such as F*ck Cancer and Pink Bubble.

You can view her professional background on LinkedIn.

2023 – Amit Grinvald

Class of 2016 – Business Administration

Amit Grinvald began his career at Keastone before advancing into financial services as an Associate Wealth Consultant at deVere Spain.

A former Student Council President and co-creator of TEDxUNYP, Amit exemplifies the international career mobility of UNYP business graduates.

You can view his professional background on LinkedIn.

2022 – Jeffrey Alan Medeiros

Class of 2012 – MBA

Jeffrey Medeiros co-founded Keastone, a technology startup focused on digital organization and productivity solutions.

In addition to his entrepreneurial work, he continues to teach business courses at UNYP and mentors students, reinforcing the university’s culture of perseverance and innovation.

You can view his professional background on LinkedIn.

2021 – Pavel Bykov

Class of 2011 – MBA in Management Information Systems

Pavel Bykov founded IP Fabric, a technology company providing advanced network infrastructure visibility and risk assessment solutions.

His company serves major global enterprises. Pavel remains active in the UNYP community as a guest lecturer and mentor.

Read more about Pavel Bykov. You can view his professional background on LinkedIn.

2020 – Danai Baouraki

Class of 2016 – Communication & Mass Media & Psychology
Class of 2019 – M.A. in Strategic Communication

Danai Baouraki represented UNYP internationally and organized major academic initiatives during her studies.

She has since built a successful career in brand management, working with global organizations such as Unilever and Maspex.

You can view her professional background on LinkedIn.

2019 – Juwana Jenkins

Class of 2013 – M.A. in Professional and Business Communication

Juwana Jenkins is a global coach and communication specialist with over 25 years of experience across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Her work in executive education and leadership development reflects the international strength of UNYP’s communication programs.

Read more about Juwana Jenkins. You can view her professional background on LinkedIn.

2018 – Tomáš Kubica

Class of 2007 – Business Administration; International & Economic Relations

Tomáš Kubica has held leadership roles at McKinsey & Co., Goldman Sachs, and KKR, operating across Prague, London, and Silicon Valley.

He remains actively engaged with UNYP as a mentor, donor, and member of the External Business Advisory Board.

Read more about Tomáš Kubica. You can view his professional background on LinkedIn.

Nominate the Next UNYP Alumni of the Year

Each recipient demonstrates how a UNYP degree supports global careers, leadership, and meaningful impact.

If you know a graduate whose achievements reflect the values of the University of New York in Prague, submit a nomination for the next Alumni of the Year Award.

Submit a Nomination

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UNYP Alumni of the Year Award?

The UNYP Alumni of the Year Award recognizes distinguished graduates of the University of New York in Prague for professional excellence, leadership, and meaningful impact.

How are award recipients selected?

Recipients are selected annually by the UNYP Alumni Award Committee following a formal nomination and evaluation process.

How can I nominate a future recipient?

Nominations may be submitted through the official Alumni of the Year nomination page during the designated annual nomination period.

Contact Alumni Services

For inquiries regarding the Alumni of the Year Award or past recipients, please contact:

Alumni Services
University of New York in Prague

Email: alumni@unyp.cz