CELEBRATING
6
STUDENTS WHO MAKE OUR
UNIVERSITY
PROUD WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE NEWCASTLE CIVIC CENTRE
#nclprideawards
As Vice-Chancellor of a large and diverse institution, undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is the opportunity it affords me to congratulate our students and staff on their many achievements and successes throughout the year. The Pride of Newcastle University Awards are no exception. This year, the Pride of Newcastle University Awards have been based around our three societal challenge themes of ageing, social renewal and sustainability, through which we are focussing our efforts on finding solutions to some of the most serious problems facing the world today. In pursuit of this, there are two questions that we continually have to ask ourselves. The first is ‘what are we good at?’. The second is ‘what are we good for?’. These questions guide a commitment to excellence with a purpose which, in turn, helps us ensure that all of our activities have a real and measurable impact on society. Of course, excellence in teaching and research are a vital part of this impact, but so too are the many and various extra-curricular activities - such as involvement in a club or society, volunteering, fundraising, or starting up a business - through which you make such a tremendous contribution to the life of your University and its community. Each and every one of you has just cause to be very proud of the effort and commitment that have brought you together this evening to celebrate your success. I am personally extremely proud of you and all that you do to make our great University such a dynamic, thriving institution. It therefore gives me the greatest pleasure to extend to you all my thanks and my warmest congratulations on your achievements, and to wish you an enjoyable evening, and continued success in the future.
Professor Chris Brink Vice-Chancellor Newcastle University
Programme 6:00pm - Drinks reception 6:40pm - Welcome by Hannah Goring, NUSU and Marc Lintern, Careers Service 6:45pm - Dinner 8:15pm - After dinner address by Simon Campbell followed by presentation of the awards
Music by: Newcastle University Jazz Band Photography by: Simon Veit-Wilson Filming by: Nimbus Productions
Speaker Profile
Simon Campbell, CEO of The Sandpit Simon is currently CEO and Founder of The Sandpit. He graduated from Newcastle University in 2002 with a degree in Business Management and having already started his own business adventures. Over the past 15 years, Simon has set up and run 6 businesses across 5 sectors based in Spain and the UK. He has learnt a great deal about business and himself, about what he knew and what he didn’t. The Sandpit is the culmination of all that and something that Simon is hugely passionate about. Simon believes he is impatient and works far too hard. He has no desire to be famous but a desire to succeed in everything he does.
Social Renewal Awards sponsored by IBM The Institute for Social Renewal is Newcastle University’s response to the challenges facing society today. NISR brings together research and scholarship with a social purpose. We aim to help individuals and communities thrive in times of rapid transformational change. We are proud to sponsor the Pride of Newcastle University Awards and commend all of the students involved for their hard work, creativity and dedication to these social renewal projects, which are making real differences to the lives of people who live in this great city and beyond.
For over 100 years, IBM has been creating innovative solutions and products that have changed not only business, but the world. Right now, we’re working to integrate systems and technology to tackle the world’s biggest challenges head on. From climate change to water conservation there’s a lot to do, and we need people with ideas. People just like you. We’re looking for passionate individuals with the skills and creativity to help us take on these problems. If you’re full of great ideas and you have the energy to bring them to life, we need you on our team! Sponsored by:
The Howarth Litchfield Award for Contribution to Arts and Culture This award is for those students who have used their skills and enthusiasm for arts and culture as an expression of their passion or to communicate ideas or ideals. It could be through organising events, exhibitions or working with groups within the University or the local community. Whether the medium was film, music, photography, fine art, digital or street performance, this award is for students who have used their talents in a positive way.
The Seven Stories Award for Community Spirit This award is for students who have worked with community groups or voluntary organisations to help them achieve their goals. This could include volunteering, fund raising, campaigning, educating or training. It recognises students who actively contribute to their community; and through this make a difference. They could have helped a community of people through inspiring or developing their skills to achieve aspirations, make healthy life changes or learn new skills.
The Howarth Litchfield Award for Contribution to Arts and Culture
Chinese Students & scholars Association (CSSA)
Irish Dance Society
Martha Buttress
The Society’s main aim is to teach the art of Irish dancing whilst giving members a sense of Irish traditions & culture. The committee coordinates three different levels of dancers to create exciting shows with opportunities for all members. They have made connections with the local Tyneside Irish Centre and performed at the prestigious Rose of Tralee selection evening.
As co-founder of INTERFUSE, Martha has created a series of collaborative exhibitions involving Fine Art students from Newcastle and Northumbria. This proven initiative disputes the typical view of ‘rivalry’ between the two Universities and instead demonstrates the strength in their partnership.
Haoyu Zhang
Dance Society
Clare Vaughan
Haoyu is an expert of Chinese calligraphy with 17 years’ experience. He has brought this art form to others by performing at various events within the university and the wider community. He also organises a Chinese Culture Study Group and has started a social enterprise to promote traditional Calligraphy to more people.
With over 400 members, the Dance Society caters for all abilities in multiple styles. As well as providing 21 hours of dance classes per week, fundraising for local and international charities and performing a dance show case, the Society hosted a dance competition bringing together 350 students from 12 different universities around the UK.
Cinema Politica Newcastle is a community not-for-profit organisation that screens independent political films and documentaries in Newcastle City Centre. Clare has taken on the leadership of Cinema Politica Newcastle broadening the remit of the organisation. In this role she has proactively provided a safe inclusive space for discussion and debate around complex social issues.
The Society began this year with three pre-departure and alumni events in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, connecting new students and alumni before they arrived in Newcastle. CSSA has been actively promoting cultural understanding and diversity to students and the wider community; with involvement in over 20 activities including competitions and talks.
The Seven Stories Award for Community Spirit
Bethany Rice
Fiona Menger
Green Grants Team
Bethany has been working with Teatro, a performing arts group primarily for children with disabilities alongside other voluntary activity. Her love of people and volunteering has confirmed her desire to pursue a career in care and she plans to one day start her own Teatro.
Fiona is a trustee of the North East Trust for Aphasia, a charity aiming to support people with aphasia (communication problems after stroke or brain injury) in the North East. She has assisted the charity by fundraising and supporting other trustees with aphasia to carry out their duties.
The Green Grants Team have provided a huge boost to rural and urban schools and youth groups - improving school grounds with outdoor learning areas, building food-growing spaces, creating wildlife areas and working with children and young people to share the importance of living life in a sustainable way.
Matthew Bowker
Robina Saeed
Streetdoctors
Matthew has helped the community substantially through three activities: volunteering over 400 hours as a Police Special Constable, designing a specialist computer mouse to help people with neurodisabilities, and training others to teach first aid.
Robina led the Newcastle University Islam Society charity week, greatly improving upon last year’s fundraising. Robina has mobilised people of different backgrounds, utilising their skills and talents to achieve outstanding results and national acclaim.
Streetdoctors is a group run by medical students that teaches life-saving first aid to vulnerable young adults in the North East. Working together with youth services and charities, they have taught over 350 young people in their sessions, helping to tackle youth violence.
Sustainability Awards sponsored by Nissan Newcastle’s pledge to be a sustainable university is shown by the actions of students and staff across the campus. Sustainability can be summarised as “enough, for all, forever”. We are making lasting impact in the field of research by finding solutions to major global challenges. From the extra bike racks to the recycling projects in our halls of residence, there’s a lot happening to make our campus more sustainable. Through our sustainable work, we are creating sustainability literate graduates, a skill which is a necessity in a competitive job market. Guided by its corporate vision of Enriching People’s Lives, Nissan aims to contribute to the sustainable development of society through its full range of business activities. As a responsible, sustainable global company, we are exploring how vehicle-to-grid, battery storage, wireless charging, autonomous drive technology and over-the-air connectivity could combine to revolutionise how energy is used and distributed across the world. Sunderland Plant is at the forefront of sustainability and EV technology through its manufacturing of the world’s best-selling all-electric car, the Nissan Leaf, and of batteries powering these vehicles. NMUK also hosts a major part of Nissan’s European IS function, employing over 120 people responsible for services such as Manufacturing and Supply Chain Applications Development, IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security at Britain’s largest car plant. Sponsored by:
The Nissan Award for Environmental Champion This award is for students who have made a positive difference to sustainability or the environment. Whether through volunteering, campaigning, running competitions or creating new inventions, they are passionate about the issues currently facing us on a local, national and global scale and their activities will have involved inspiring others to become more environmentally aware, or encouraged behaviour change. Examples could include developing sustainable projects, creating green spaces, reducing energy consumption, encouraging recycling or supporting green travel.
The Nissan Award for Global Outlook The Global Outlook award is for individuals or groups who have engaged in international activities which have consequently increased their global perspective and ethical awareness. This could be through study abroad, global internships, volunteering, case competitions or working with international students to improve inter-cultural relations. Nominations may include students who have participated in international opportunities themselves or who have inspired others to do so, whether to enhance their subject knowledge, employability or contribute to the global community.
The Nissan Award for Environmental Champion
Amy Fok
Green Grants Team
Louise Hopkins
Amy works tirelessly as an active volunteer across a multitude of environmental projects with Go Volunteer. She has demonstrated a passion for sustainable living through establishing the ‘A Second Life’ scheme, up-cycling waste to create useful products, such as furniture, planters and bird boxes.
Working with children and young people to share the importance of living in a sustainable way, the Green Grants Team distribute funding and provide handson project support to Northumberland schools. This group have presented an active, innovative, reliable and passionate image of Newcastle University students.
Louise is an active environmentalist focussing on ocean conservation through a range of volunteering opportunities. She has assisted in four seal rescues in Sunderland, helped to organise a beach clean and participated in a public education event to teach people about the impact of illegal overfishing.
ReNewcastle
Robert Noyes
ReNewcastle Society aims to raise environmental awareness in the university and campaign for more green policies on campus. They hosted the first Go Green Week, with stalls, talks, film showings, discussion evenings and a festival, whilst also running a monthly crowd funding event and the Food Co-op on campus.
As the ethics and environments student representative, Rob has campaigned on various issues including the Fossil Free campaign and Go Green Week and founded the ReNewcastle Society. His work means that there is now an environmental society providing future students with a medium to channel their environmentalism.
The Nissan Award for Global Outlook
Eva Malessa
Amy Musson
Anna Foat
Eva’s belief in the promotion of languages and cultural events to bring people with different interests and backgrounds together has driven her to host German beginner classes and intermediate conversation sessions at Newcastle University’s Language Resource Centre.
After gaining a placement in Copenhagen, Amy was determined to immerse herelf in an international environment and contribute positively to society. She utilised her experience volunteering abroad to inspire fellow exchange students and continues to develop an integrated global community by mentoring international students here in Newcastle.
Anna’s involvement in the COCO Society allowed her to volunteer in Tanzania. This experience illustrated to her the immeasurable impact and value of education; a privilege that should be accessible for all children across the globe. She has raised over £2400 for COCO.
Jesslyn Alverina
Peter Georgiev
Stephanie Butler
A Newcastle Student from Indonesia, Jesslyn has volunteered in China, worked in Tanzania and is now Alumni Relations Officer, managing the Business School’s global alumni network of 16,000. She is a leading advocate of the GEO programme ensuring 46% increase in sign-ups this year.
Peter has inspired international audiences to develop a global outlook through his journalistic work on the refugee crisis published by reputable news outlets such as the Guardian and Deutsche Welle. His coverage of the lives of asylum-seekers and the consequences of the Syrian war have contributed to a higher degree of knowledge and acceptance.
Stephanie undertook two research fellowships looking into women’s maternal health and midwifery, particularly amongst aboriginal Canadian women. Stephanie has put forward a case to the UN suggesting how Canadian Aboriginal midwifery centres can improve maternal-neonatal health discrepancies between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.
Ageing Awards sponspored by the National Centre for Ageing Science and Innovation Here at Newcastle University we are committed to tackling the longstanding issues associated with ageing. Not only is this represented by over twenty years of academic research dedicated to ageing, but in the actions and activity of our students. This category highlights the practical achievements of students in the promotion and development of methods of maintaining healthy lifestyles both socially and mentally, as well as in their physical recreation. It also recognises student groups for their ground-breaking projects helping an ever diversifying student body integrate across various boundaries, teaching each other’s cultures in order to educate and include. At the National Centre for Ageing Science and Innovation, we are committed to supporting students and higher education. We are proud to support the Pride of Newcastle University Awards and wish every success to those who are shortlisted this evening. The purpose of the National Centre is to facilitate commercialisation of products and services that support us all living better for longer. We’ll work with academics and businesses to achieve this. We recognise that the ageing landscape is broad. Our key themes range across; housing, finance, consumer products, health and well-being, transport, entertainment and social engagement. The National Centre is a £40M investment, jointly funded by the UK Government and Newcastle University. It reflects Newcastle’s world-leading strengths in ageing research.The Centre is now open for business and will be expanding over the next three years with a growing team and new Headquarters based in Newcastle. It will be co-located with specialists in Urban Science, Cloud Computing and Business. “It’s clear that exercise, improved nutrition and enhanced social interaction have a major positive impact on living better for longer. This is why the award categories in this section are so relevant to our vision.” Roy Sandbach, Director of the National Centre. Sponsored by the National Centre for Ageing Science and Innovation
The Accenture Award for Social Inclusion & Cultural Diversity This award is for those who have encouraged integration of people in the University or wider community who otherwise might have felt or been isolated for reasons such as race, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or social class. Nominations demonstrate the positive ways in which they have gone out of their way to be inclusive.
The RAF Award for Contribution to Sport & Health This award is for those who have actively promoted or encouraged healthy living, which could be through sport. Promoting healthy living could include campaigns or activities to raise awareness of the benefits e.g. stopping smoking or eating healthy food. Encouraging healthy living could be through practical activities which encourage lifestyle changes such as organising events or encouraging participation at any level of sport.
The Accenture Award for Social Inclusion & Cultural Diversity
BAME Network (Black Asian & Minority Ethnic) BAME Network provides a platform for BAME student voices and provides spaces for all to discuss race, identity, racism and anti-racism within today’s society. Much of their success has come from working with a variety of other societies and campaigns such as running interactive workshops and debates on racism, gender, sexuality and environmentalism.
Iqra Choudhry Iqra has worked towards tackling the stigma surrounding mental health issues, harmful stereotypes regarding the LGBT+ community and Islamophobia. Raising issues online, organising stalls during awareness weeks and conducting radio interviews about her own experiences, she has also delivered talks at a host of conferences and occasions this year.
Imogen Charvill Ryall
English Conversation Group
GATE (Giving Access to English) is a voluntary teaching scheme set up to give victims of the crisis in Syria access to free English lessons online. Using Skype and an interactive whiteboard tool, Imogen currently coordinates five teachers volunteering as part of the programme, offering them support and guidance through the teaching process.
This initiative helps non-native English speakers (mainly recent migrants and refugees) to develop their spoken and written English. Whilst having a positive impact on lives, it also helps strengthen links between students and the wider community, enhancing the reputation of Newcastle University.
North East Malaysia Night 2016 Hello, its Malaysia!
Saffron Kershaw-Mee
This two-day Malaysian carnival and a self-produced musical play was a collaboration between three North East universities. Working in a team of nearly 80 people, the event acted as a platform for Newcastle student members to develop a variety of graduate skills, and as a tribute to the collective vision of a multi-racial community co-existing in harmony.
Speaking publically about her personal experience as a marginalised student, Saffron works tirelessly to reduce the stigma around gender identity, mental illness and LGBT+ awareness. Through involvement with the LGBT+ awareness week, Saffron created a positive impact talking about non-binary identities and organised a stall with information, reaching those unfamiliar with the term.
The RAF Award for Contribution to Sport & Health
Bryoni Holland
SSDP
Teddy Bear Hospital
Volunteering with Parkinsons UK, Bryoni identified gaps in the provision of information and support services. Using her specialist knowledge in speech therapy she has recruited student volunteers to implement a new initiative of explorative support groups.
SSDP have been campaigning to help educate about drug use in an innovative and evidence based way. Through founding services to improve the physical and mental health of Newcastle students they have opened up debate around what can be a contentious and divisive issue, whilst also running Newcastle’s first Drug Awareness Week.
Teddy Bear Hospital has had an unprecedented first year as a society with almost 200 new members, visiting roughly 700 children in schools and community groups. They reduce anxieties around health care settings and professionals by creating a friendly environment using teddy bears and interactive games.
Tom Espin
Xarius Austin
Tay Jia Chyi
Tom has contributed greatly in several areas of sport this year, through his position as Head Referee for NUSU’s Hall Sport programme and his executive position in Newcastle University Association Football Club (NUAFC) as Club Captain. On a weekly basis he not only oversees ten referees but also coordinates the running on the day for over 300 students.
As Unit Manager of the largest St John Ambulance unit in the North East, and Scheme Coordinator for the British Heart Foundation Heartstart Newcastle LINKS scheme, Xarius has been responsible for coordinating the training of around 450 people in basic and more advanced lifesaving first aid skills and organised the first NUSU Save A Life Week.
Based at NUMed, Malaysia, Jia was programme director for what was a successful Health Camp held at an aboriginal settlement. He coordinated 12 committee members and 40 volunteers to educate on a number of health issues and raise awareness of local healthcare services.
Inspiring, supporting and celebrating entrepreneurship at Newcastle University Together we can support more students to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit
The Benefactors’ Fund supports student-led initiatives that: - Engage and grow our entrepreneurial community - Empower you and others to experience and experiment with entrepreneurship - Support you to turn your business idea into reality with a start-up grant
“Thank Goodness It’s Wednesday (TGIW) was launched this year with the support of the Benefactors’ Fund. TGIW is a regular meetup of likeminded enterprising and entrepreneurial students and inspiring speakers who share their stories - both triumphs and challenges that they have faced. Speakers have included David Harper, Chairman of HarperCo Limited and Andy Stephenson CEO of Weekend Box. The events have been a real success in inspiring new ideas and connections between entrepreneurial thinkers and doers” Max Haydon, Stage 4, BA (Hons) Modern Languages
If you are interested in joining our growing community of supporters by donating to the Benefactors’ Fund, please contact Graeme Elliott, NU Advancement Manager for further information: e: graeme.elliott@ncl.ac.uk For further information and to find out about support through Rise Up, please visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/careers/riseup
Rise Up Awards sponsored by The Benefactors’ Fund Entrepreneurship is something that we as a University view as really important. The world of work is changing and by 2050 many predict that over half the labour market will be self-employed or working freelance. Here at Newcastle University we have an entrepreneurial development team called Rise Up who can help those wanting to know more about entrepreneurship. Whether you want to develop enterprising skills, discuss an idea, start up or grow your business, Rise Up can offer you expert guidance, training, resources and opportunities to help you explore and develop your entrepreneurial side.
Sponsored by:
The FDM Group Award for Enterprising Spirit This award is for those students who have demonstrated the passion, vision, creativity and drive required to run a business – through activities which haven’t themselves involved setting up a business. This could be through volunteering, fund raising, paid employment, a work placement, or starting or improving a University club and society. The Enterprising Spirit award recognises those who have made a difference because of their enterprising attitude.
The One Utility Award for Entrepreneur of the Year This award is for those who have demonstrated an entrepreneurial attitude through setting up a business, or working as self-employed or freelance. It doesn’t matter whether their business is large or small, or has even been a success or not, just so long as they can demonstrate what they have learned through the process. The award recognises how the students tackled the issues, challenges and opportunities that surfaced along the way and how they demonstrated what they learned from this for their future ventures.
The FDM Group Award for Enterprising Spirit
Abdullahi Abubakar Kawu
Hult Prize Team
Faraz Arjomandi
Following work as a project assistant for the Newcastle University Ageing Generations Education (NUAGE), Abdullahi devised a mobile app as an assistive solution for older people. Support Me Son! Messenger (SMS !M) allows older people to easily send health emergency SMS to Carers & Doctors in less than 30 seconds through quick diagnostic selection.
For the first time, Newcastle entered a team into the Hult Prize Foundation competition. From 25,000 entries, the NU Team advanced to compete in one of five regional finals, presenting their idea to localize the automotive supply chain in Mexico. As a result, the University is now looking to host a Hult Prize event on campus.
After developing a Social Media Strategy for a competition, Faraz secured a summer internship in Dubai. He has gone on to work with National Energy Action, putting together and implementing a product marketing strategy using statistical data analysis and forecasting.
Greta Magistrelli
StuBrew
Emily Gilmour
From securing a summer placement as Social Media and Marketing Assistant for EAT@NEWCASTLE, Greta has gone beyond expectation enhancing the systems to improve the business’ use of social media. Greta was constantly evaluating the business need and risk to the business that social media can bring and developed a system to manage any possible negative impact.
StuBrew has massively increased the range of their quality real ale products on offer and are enabling interest, commitment and research investment into sustainable brewing practice across the region. The success is not just in the business but in the skills the students have developed with a number of students gaining graduate schemes within the industry.
As Enactus President, Emily has developed the society by establishing strong foundations for a future of social impact and sustainability. She has supported three members in a project trip to Rwanda as well as supporting the development and growth of four new local social projects.
The One Utility Award for Entrepreneur of the Year
AdBike Ltd
Jonathan Mayes
Enactus
AdBike provides students of Newcastle University an opportunity to earn extra money by just riding their usual roads. This system is based on an innovative mobile phone app for cyclists, and online analytics for advertisers. Sergey and Nikita sourced investors to support their business, developed an app and recently launched a self-promotion campaign in Newcastle.
Whilst on clinical placement Jonathan noticed staff weren’t using aseptic hand-gel, and so created ASEP; a hand-sanitising security device. His solution was to fit each door with a ‘hand-gel switch’, in order to gain access to the ward. Jonathan has been invited by the NHS to speak at their Digital Health and Care Conference in July 2016.
Enactus Newcastle’s ‘Unicycle’ project is run by a team of four undergraduate students, with the objective to promote an environmentally friendly, health improving and affordable means of transportation among students. They achieved this by sourcing 25 bicycle donations and a £1000 worth of brand new bicycle accessories.
Ravneet Kaur
Raphael David
Stuart Maitland
Ravneet set up Equiwatt Ltd and became the first international student to gain a place on the Newcastle University Foundership Programme. The business addresses the energy crisis by minimising the use of power stations. Ravneet’s vision is to make a global social impact in the energy sector and she has already reached the finals of a national Business Idea competition.
Raphael developed a new container design to provide an innovative modular logistic operation for high-value low-density goods. He launched his own start-up Inno4less to develop and commercialize the container in 2015 and by June his company was selected as one of the 100 most innovative start-ups.
Stuart is the founder of Mediwikis, a collaborative platform that supports the medical learning community in the UK. It provides thousands of pages of crowd sourced, original information, bespoke to the needs of students at each university. Customers include NHS England, the Royal College of Physicians, the British Medical Association and over 16,000 student users each month.
Graduate Opportunities More than a consultancy firm, Accenture is the perfect mix of strategy, digital, technology, consulting and operations expertise. Through these core areas we are able to create end-to-end solutions that transform and improve the way organisations work – as well as offer a great environment for any graduate to thrive. Whichever of our three graduate programmes you join, you can look forward to fantastic support, a structured and tailored training programme, and the all-round business skills that make our people so highly regarded in the industry. Graduates who join the Consulting Programme will work with clients to identify market opportunities and shape the strategies that solve the most complex business challenges. Our Client Delivery Programme is all about delivering solutions that really work. Using a deep understanding of technology, graduates will assess which
innovations are right for clients – then work to implement them. The Software Engineering Programme offers graduates with practical programming knowledge the chance to design, build and support cutting-edge technical solutions – advising on which technologies should be used and making sure they’re delivered in the best way. Be the first to know the latest news: Accenture Careers UK
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Outstanding University Contribution Awards sponsored by Accenture
We are proud to be once again sponsoring the award for outstanding contribution as part of the Pride of Newcastle awards. Year after year we continue to be amazed and humbled by the exceptional activities undertaken by the students of Newcastle University and feel very lucky to be involved again. Whatever a students’ ambition after graduation, the skills and experiences learnt through such activities will set those recognised this evening apart from their peers. High performers at University will continue as high performing graduates, a key reason why employers value extra-curricular achievements so highly. James Russell, Technology Consultant at Accenture. Sponsored by:
The Accenture Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Academic Experience This award recognises those who have developed skills whilst working on behalf of the wider student community on issues that matter to students. The award is in recognition of excellence in academic and peer representation. This is a major part of student life, from working as a student rep to making a difference in student support and welfare.
The Konica Minolta Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Media This award recognises dedication to and innovation within any of the three arms of student media at Newcastle: The Courier, Newcastle Student Radio (NSR), and The Courier TV (TCTV). Many spare hours will have been dedicated to making sure the student body is kept informed of what’s happening on campus and around the city. Those nominated have explored the possibilities of new media to make sure the student voice is broadcast in inventive and exciting ways.
The Accenture Award for Outstanding Contribution to Societies This award recognises those who have dedicated time, energy and commitment to enhancing the student experience through a well-run and inclusive student society. This could include raising funds, organising amazing events, helping others develop new skills, or increasing inclusivity within the society.
The Accenture Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Academic Experience
Anita Madan
Fanni Albert
Louise Westoby
Anita has lobbied for reform of teaching opportunities and better provision for student parents. Discussions she initiated led to threefold change: a school-wide audit to allow PGRs to teach English Law modules, a shadowing programme to train future student teachers and finally a subsequent university-wide audit on teaching opportunities.
Fanni has successfully juggled a host of extra-curricular roles, including Student Lead Mentor, SSC Rep for Combined Honours, SSC Subject Specific Rep, event organiser of the Challenge Scheme and Learning and Teaching Forum Intern. She is interested in improving the university’s learning, teaching and student experience and contributing to the Curriculum Development Working Group’s efforts.
Louise has taken the role of School Representative to another level and has achieved real results that will impact on all students after she graduates. She has taken on co-coordinating a new student yearbook and runs a very successful series of drop in sessions to raise awareness of the school rep role. Significantly, she has enabled more staff and students to know what the SSC and the School Rep do as a result of her efforts.
Emaline Burgess
Monica Parker
Toluwanimi Kolawole
Emaline contributes across several spheres, notably in her role as programme level student representative for her cohort and as President of the Speech Therapy Society. Her contribution has shaped the level of dialogue within the Student-Staff committee and is helping shape the skills and confidence for the earlier stage representatives.
As President of MedEd, Monica has been instrumental in forging teaching and learning opportunities for medical students, building bridges between Newcastle and Durham campuses and supporting high school students to apply for medicine. Monica has offered teaching opportunities, devised a clinical skills teaching rota and reached out to students on isolated campuses.
Tolu has made it possible for research students in CEAM to feel valued and heard, and by increasing engagement, significant changes have been made in the research student experience via access to equipment and software. Students are now more knowledgeable about equipment and can offer troubleshooting advice to peers and reducing equipment downtime.
The Konica Minolta Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Media
Vicki Smith
Mark Sleightholm
Jamie Shepherd
As Station Manager of NSR, Vicki has focussed on improving NSR and the variety of shows it offers. She has encouraged society members to learn more about radio and potential careers by ensuring comprehensive training sessions were offered to all presenters and organised a tour of Capital Radio which developed knowledge of the media. Vicki also coordinated the first NSR 24 hour charity radio show.
As Deputy Editor, Mark has worked on every aspect of the Courier newspaper. He has contributed extensively to the paper and supported the rest of the team. He supports the Editor in her duties, working above and beyond what would be expected. In addition to the production of the paper, Mark has worked to improve team cohesion across the student media branches, organising joint media socials throughout the year.
Jamie has increased the readership of The Courier’s music section through covering a greater range of genres, artists and situations. This has also had the impact of giving writers a greater range of topics to be able to write about, improving the opportunities for those who wish to ultimately work in music journalism.
Daniel Robertson
Eleanor McLaren
As a Comment Editor for The Courier, Dan has frequently gone out of his way to find topics and authors who present a different opinion and will encourage the audience to see matters from new and thought-provoking perspectives. Due to Dan’s high standards, The Comment section has consistently been one of the strongest and most visually appealing in The Courier this academic year.
As Culture Editor for The Courier, Ellie is responsible for the quality-control and organisation of 8 out of the 11 sections in the print publication. Each week she runs the writers’ meetings, ensuring all sub-editors have engaging and up-to-date articles to give out, and that all work is submitted. Under her guidance, The Courier has seen an increase in the amount of pages it publishes each week.
The Accenture Award for Outstanding Contribution to Societies
Modern Languages Society
Haaris Qureshi
NUMed Student Association
The society successfully combines a passion for language learning with weekly socials and academic events for students across the university. The committee has developed its relationship with all members which has been highly appreciated through a wide programme of fantastic weekly events.
During his time as Co-Head of Production of FilmSoc, Haaris saw an opportunity to improve both inclusivity and society output, increasing the amount of films produced by students. He has changed policies to allow more films to be made, more students to be involved on set and in all aspects of film making. He has produced his own films whilst managing a large team.
NUMed Student Association is a representative body for the student community at Newcastle University’s Malaysian campus. Their tireless efforts have included events that have boosted the “Newcastle family spirit” including their flagship NUMed Games 2016 involving 500 athletes and work on an app that helps keep students safe.
James Murphy
Andrew Lister
Chandan Parmar
As President of Sports & Exercise Medicine Society, James has been pivotal in expanding and engaging its audience, most notably by organising the National conference. This was a huge success with over 140 delegates and 20 speakers. The talks he has organised allow students to widen their horizons, as they often fall outside of the curriculum.
As Treasurer of Mind the Gap Society, Andrew has consistently gone above and beyond his designated role this year. He has researched material and planned and chaired the majority of the society’s discussions, ensuring things ran smoothly through demonstrating his dedication to the society and what it stands for.
Chandan’s organisation and dedication has enabled the Newcastle Student Orchestra & Choir to be a more organised and harmonious group this year. Dedicated to change for the better, she hired a brilliant new conductor and efficiently overcame a lack of campus rehearsal space.
with the
Are you planning to be involved in a student society, community or voluntary work, enterprise and entrepreneurship activity or any other extra-curricular activity during the next academic year? The ncl+ award gives you the chance to gain official University and employer recognition for your activities and achievements. Visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/students/nclplus/nclplus-award
The support that you receive from the University doesn’t end with graduation. If you’re graduating this year, make sure you keep in touch with the Alumni Association who help you make the most of your life after University. Visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni
Need extra support for your project? Apply to the ncl+ Catalyst Fund for funding and access to expertise for one-off, student-led extra curricular activities. Visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/students/nclplus/funding/fund
We would like to thank all of the judges, presenters and award sponsors for their contribution to this year’s Pride of Newcastle University Awards. Congratulations to all of the shortlisted students and graduates too; you are all involved in some fantastic activities!
Thank you to all of our sponsors:
www.accenture.com
www.ncl.ac.uk/nubs/business
www.fdmgroup.com
www.howarthlitchfield.com
www.ibm.com/uk-en
www.konicaminolta.co.uk
www.ncl.ac.uk/ageing
www.ncl.ac.uk/socialrenewal
www.nissan.co.uk
www.oneutilitybill.co
www.raf.mod.uk
www.sevenstories.org.uk
Thank you to AlphaGraphics for sponsoring our event literature.