Jerry Lidberg, head of operations at Region Värmland’s Neurology and Rehabilitation clinic, has been named Alum of the Year 2026 by Karlstad University. Through his commitment to clinical practice and leadership, he demonstrates how a role of great societal importance can take many different forms.
Jerry Lidberg graduated as a registered nurse in 2010 and completed his specialist nursing qualification in intensive care in 2013. He is delighted to receive the Alum of the Year award.
– It feels incredibly rewarding and honouring to be named Alum of the Year. It was not something I expected, so I was both pleased and surprised when I received the news, he says.
Citation for the Award
The citation reads: “Jerry Lidberg is the nurse who has progressed from serving as chair of the CURA programme association to becoming a specialist nurse, an entrepreneur in event medical services, and head of operations for the neurology and rehabilitation clinic within Region Värmland. Through his commitment to clinical practice and leadership, he demonstrates how a role of great societal importance can take many different forms.”
“I’ve Had the Opportunity to Open More Doors”
– I look back on my time at Karlstad University very fondly. For me, it was not only about training to become a nurse, but also about everything that came with it: student life, involvement in various associations, and all the people I got to know. It was an enjoyable and intensive period that gave me the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally, says Jerry Lidberg.
– When I was a student, I was interviewed and said that ‘being a nurse opens more doors’. At the time, I did not really know which doors those would be, but looking back, that turned out to be quite true. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work in ambulance services, anaesthesia and intensive care, before moving on to leadership roles, entrepreneurship and various projects. The curiosity and desire for personal development that I had then are still very much with me. I have simply had the chance to open a few more doors since.
Award ceremony on 6 October
Jerry Lidberg will receive the award on Tuesday, 6 October. During the ceremony, he will take part in a conversation moderated by Erika Hellekant-Rowe.
The award dates back to 2006
Karlstad University has presented the Alum of the Year award since 2006. The Alum of the Year is a person who has studied at Karlstad University and who is a good role model for the university’s students. Students and staff at the university, members of the Alumni Network and friends of the university are invited to suggest suitable candidates, based on the following criteria:
- The Alum of the Year must have a bachelor’s degree and/or a master’s degree and/or a PhD from Karlstad University.
- He or she has demonstrated integrity in their chosen profession by daring to challenge established norms and explore the unknown within their field of work.
Read more about previous alumni of the year (in Swedish):
