Shortlisted participants and groups were nominated by their fellow students (or themselves if they chose) for their efforts in extra-curricular activities during this past academic year. Award categories that they could be nominated in were: Contribution to Workplace, Community Impact, Societies, Athletic Union, Alumni Achievement, Student Rep, Media, and NUMed. Winners from the nights were also automatically shortlisted for the Pride of Newcastle Awards, which will be held on the 8th of June at the Civic Centre. The night will also include the Alumni Achievement Awards ceremony.
It all kicked off on the 6th of May with the Athletic Union awards as part of the AU Ball, which were announced by AU Officer Fergus Mainland at the Lancastrian Suite. This was a celebration of all sporting achievements this year, among athletes, administrators, and coaches. Notable categories included Team of the Year, Contribution to Inclusivity, Club of the Year, and Individual Contribution to University Sport.
May 9th saw the Student Rep Awards, hosted by Education Officer Livia Scott and Postgraduate Officer Eleanor McCarthy, reward the student representatives who amplified the student voice all year to bring positive change for both current and future years. The night celebrated nominees with awards like Staff Facilitator of the Year. Student Secretary of the Year, and Liberation Officer of the Year.
Ashna Mathur, the runner-up for Student Secretary of the Year, commented, “The ceremony was organised so well by the SU, it was really fun! It was lovely to see all the achievements from reps all over the university. I went there to have a good time with my fellow reps with no expectation to win, but the runner-up was such a pleasant surprise!”
Just a day later, the Volunteering Team presented the Community Impact Awards to acknowledge those who made a difference both on campus and beyond for the local community. Categories included the Unsung Hero Award, Students for Students Award, and Community Outreach Award.
Speaking to Elizabeth Meade, who was shortlisted for Sustainability Champion, she said, “I liked seeing people being honoured for their contributions to volunteering. Most of the nominees I had never heard about, so it was nice to be introduced to a lot of what they did. Like Sci Fair (up for New Volunteer Project of the Year), then being sat next to Owen Lukins, I got to learn more about NEST.”
On the 12th, we were back in Venue for the Societies Awards. Hosted by Haris Nadeem Bashir, the Activities Officer, the night recognised the societies that welcomed students and those who were a positive presence in their society. Awards contained Best Society Campaign, Most Improved Society, Individual Award for Outstanding Contribution to Societies, and Society of the Year.
The NUMed Awards, a collection of achievements across the pond at our Medicine School’s sister campus in Malaysia, was held on the 13th. To celebrate our international counterparts, categories included Society Contribution to the Community, Staff Facilitator of the Year, and Student-Staff Committee of the Year.
May 17th was the ceremony for the Contribution to Workplace Awards, presented to those who went above and beyond while on a placement or internship during their time at the university this year. There were four categories: Placement Student of the Year (two awards split between small-medium businesses and large businesses), Newcastle University Worker of the Year, and Intern of the Year.
Lastly from the awards nights held in Venue, the Media Awards were hosted by Student Media Officer George Boatfield on the 20th May. This was a celebration of participants across all three branches of Student Media, NUTV, Newcastle Student Radio, and The Courier. Awards included Outstanding Contribution to NUTV, NSR Presenter of the Year, The Courier Section of the Year, and the Monica Doughty Award.
In regards to how he felt the night went, George said, “What a treat it was to be on stage to witness the joy of the award recipients and the audience! Unable to attend a Media Awards in-person since 2019, I was conscious that many students have never been to such an event, and concerned about what impact this might have had on their expectations. However, I needn't have worried - the atmosphere was fantastic!”
Congratulations to all of those who received awards, and whether nominated or winners, every single person should be proud of their achievements this year. It has been wonderful to see the efforts and impact of our students within our campus and also our local community. Photos from each event will be available on NUSU’s Facebook.