Students’ contribution to the community celebrated at inaugural awards evening

The �� celebrated the achievements of its students and alumni, and their contribution to the city and wider region at the inaugural Student Impact Awards last night.

The awards, organised in partnership with the University’s Students' Union, demonstrated the positive impact our students have had on student life and community projects and with external organisations.

They recognised students involved in activities related to their studies or extracurricular activities such as clubs or societies, volunteering, fundraising, starting a new business – or contributing to a business or organisation as a placement student, graduate employee or through a project. Off-campus activities could be local, national or international.

There were 14 categories and each one was tailored to acknowledge different forms of civic contribution, emphasising the diverse ways students can positively impact their community and beyond.

The Winners

Volunteer Impact Award – Emily Love
Recognising a student or group for their positive impact on �� or the wider area through volunteering.

Cultural Impact Award – Ming Wu
Celebrating a student or group's positive cultural contributions in �� over the past year.

Global Outreach Impact Award – Jack Morris
Awarded to an individual, team or group for activities which have internationalised their student experience, enhanced their global or cultural outlook and represented the �� abroad.

Sustainability Impact Award – Rahul Chitare and Rebecca Henderson
Recognising individual, team, or group efforts that have positively impacted environmental sustainability, locally or beyond.

Student Achievement Impact Award – Wilko Dirks
This award celebrates the exceptional achievements of a student or group of students in any field, recognising their outstanding contributions to academia, community service, leadership, innovation, and other areas where they have demonstrated excellence and made a significant impact on the �� and the wider community.

Diversity Impact Award - Ritah Anastacia Namaganda
Celebrating efforts that support or raise awareness of equality and diversity in ��.

Placement Impact Award – Ratul Chatterjee
Acknowledging a student who has made a significant impact within their host organisation during their placement year.

Graduate Impact Award – Bailey Shortland
Honouring a recent University graduate who has made a positive contribution in their first year of employment.

Alumni Impact Award – Bianca Nicholson
Awarded to a graduate of less than 10 years, who has already demonstrated great potential in making a positive impact on society.

Degree Apprentice Impact Award – Cerys Rogers
Awarding a Degree Apprentice for significant contributions to their business in the past year.

Health and Wellbeing Impact Award - Nneamaka (Amy) Obiamago
Celebrating contributions to physical and/or mental health, wellness, and overall well-being in our community.

Research Impact Award – Helen Fleming
Acknowledging research by students that has made or has the potential to make a positive societal contribution.

Entrepreneurs Impact Award – Adam Denman
Awarding a University student or graduate who started a successful new business in the past five years, positively impacting the city or region.

Vice Chancellor’s Civic Impact Award – General Legal Advice Clinic
Recognising students who have significantly contributed to the University's civic reputation through their local, national, or international efforts.

The General Legal Advice Clinic team

The awards were presented at an invite-only celebration at the Ravelin Sports Centre and were hosted by the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Galbraith.

Judges looked for evidence of how the nominated students have had a positive impact outside of the University while studying, and how they have contributed positively to the city, local region or further afield.

Each category had a winner and a runner up selected by a review panel made up of members from the University Executive Board, local dignitaries, and academic colleagues. Winners received a commemorative trophy, with winners and runners-up receiving printed certificates. Shortlisted students received a digital certificate and a badge award.

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