Newcastle University Awards

To be shortlisted for the Newcastle University Awards:

• you will have nominated yourself, or been nominated by someone else, for a Celebrating Success Award
• you will have won a category at a Celebrating Success Awards level as an individual, part of a group or society. This includes any Newcastle University campus, including our campuses in Malaysia and Singapore. Special arrangements will be made for students outside of Newcastle to celebrate their success locally. Alternatively, you will have been put forward from affiliated University awards.
• your contribution to the University or our wider community should be demonstrated
• your activities must have taken place during the last 12 months
• you must not have received academic credit for any part of this achievement. This includes those relating to work you have done on behalf of a business (excluding The Contribution to the Workplace Awards)
• students involved in the judging panel or organising the awards cannot be nominated for an individual award, but can be part of a wider team that is nominated

The decision of the judging panel is final and no feedback will be given on individual nominees.

Winning students, societies or projects cannot enter the same category of the following year.

In assessing nominations, judges will be looking for evidence of how the nominee has made Newcastle University particularly proud within one of the category areas. This will be through outstanding:

• innovation
• effort
• contribution
• skill development
• enterprise
• impact

For each 'Outstanding Contribution' award, the winning entry will receive £250 and the runner up will receive £50.

All Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught winners will also receive recognition of the award on their degree transcript.

For any society winners, prizes will go to the winning societies, not to the individual who completed the form.

Winner: Sophie McMillan

Sophie has been involved in Student Media throughout her time at Newcastle University. They won Outstanding Contribution to NUTV in 2023 and continued to support all branches this academic year. Sophie is well known amongst our community for being friendly and talented, always willing to give 110%.  

Sophie is one of a very small number of people who kept one of NUSU’s media outlets going after Covid. They showed great dedication and resilience in the face of great personal and professional adversity.   

Sophie contributes so many hours supporting those around them. This includes developing production skills, lifting peers’ spirits and pitching in with any job that needs doing. Stepping up to on-air broadcasts this year was something they admit took a lot of personal growth, but they’ve done a brilliant job.   

Setting a goal to foster collaboration and friendship across media branches, Sophie was a significant figure in bridging gaps. This allowed students from each branch to develop new experiences and skills and an all-round media education. As well as being supportive, Sophie has taken on many roles within student media, showcasing ability to develop skills. 

It has been a very difficult time for NUSU’s TV station, after an experienced and longstanding team departed. Despite facing problems such as volunteer engagement, budgeting and failing equipment, Sophie remained hopeful and consistently effective. Sophie will leave NUTV in a better position than when they found it.  

Runner Up: Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra (NUJO) 

Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra (NUJO) has made an outstanding contribution to the local music scene. They have engaged with a high number of people through events, and have made a big difference.  

For students looking to get into the arts, it’s important to be able to establish relationships and connections with your local arts scene. These students have made a real positive contribution to the wider community by doing so. By going beyond what you would expect of an orchestra, this team of students collaborated with other groups to put on community events. This exemplified NUJO's dedication to promoting jazz music and fostering community engagement.   

The Cobalt jazz jam, held in collaboration with Durham University Jazz Orchestra, attracted over 250 attendees. This included students and members of the public and provided a platform for musicians to collaborate and showcase their talents in a vibrant and inclusive environment. NUJO's initiative to move the event to Cobalt Studios, a renowned non-profit music venue expanded its reach and supported the local music community.    

NUJO's efforts to organise and deliver this event, highlight their dedication to promoting music and the cultural landscape of Newcastle University.   

Winner: Dance Club 

With a record-breaking 421 members, Dance Club is one of the largest and most popular sports clubs at the University. They have 18 classes every week, in eight styles with three levels of difficulty. All classes are completely student-led, which is rare amongst university dance clubs. They have 16 different competition teams representing the club around the country. They have won a record-breaking 35 trophies last competition season!  

Dance Club make a great contribution to the local community by supporting a local charity every year. They have been awarded the Earn Your Stripes Gold Award, which means they are recognised by NUSU for their inclusive approach. 

Dance Club stood out for not only excelling at their sport, but also expanding their reach and activity to ensure accessibility. They are an example of another excellent committee that has put in so much effort as a collective this year. The committee creates a sense of belonging for all members across the board, while winning competitions and organising fundraisers. They also collaborate with NUSU to run Give It A Go sessions for brand new people too. Their spectrum of activity is impressive! 

Runner Up: Running Club Society 

The Running Club committee has made an exceptional contribution this year. They are dedicated to fostering an inclusive running community and promoting wellbeing among students. The committee is dedicated to both the physical activity itself and the social side. Competitors and grassroots or beginners are treated equally .

A number of different members are mentioned in the nomination form. Individual contributions and strengths are highlighted. This includes teamwork, something we love to see developing in our students! 

With initiatives like the Christmas soiree and ‘Couch to 5k’ plan, Running Club has encouraged physical activity and provided opportunities for social engagement. Their commitment to charity fundraising, including their support for the Teenage Cancer Trust, showcases their impact on the community. Through the sport of running, fostering a social community, welcoming to all levels, and a commitment to charity work, this group has truly made a positive difference this year. 

Winner: Brush Up 

Brush Up is a student-led volunteering group. Dental students go out to the public to teach communities about the importance of brushing and good oral hygiene. This year they’ve made it their mission to go above and beyond their usual scope. They have reached out to asylum seekers, mother and toddler groups and people with disabilities on top of the work with children they do every year.  

Over 1000 people have benefited from their expansion and student volunteers had a valuable opportunity to interact with different groups in society. They have gained practical experience with patients before starting their clinical years in the dental hospital.

Accessibility to healthcare is a hot topic. These students saw a service they could provide to benefit their local community and did not hesitate to step up. The groups Brush Up works with can be very vulnerable and underserved groups. Brush Up shows respect and care which goes beyond the dental impact. 

Runner Up: Speech & Language Therapy Society 

The Speech & Language Therapy Society provides academic opportunities and raises awareness for conditions. They fundraise for charity, host social events and provide support for members throughout the academic year.  

Activities have included speed dating events with specialists, employability webinars and study groups. They have created inclusive and accessible socials with sober and non-sober options. They have provided welfare support through emails and practical skills. In addition, they organised Developmental Language Day and fundraised on dysphagia awareness days. They organised bake sales for Mental Health Day and charities such as Papyrus. They also lit up the Millennium Bridge to raise awareness for developmental language disorder.

The group has created a vibrant community amongst themselves. Their member engagement ethos is praiseworthy, harnessing skills and enthusiasm far and wide.

Winner: The Thrifty Chef 

Thrifty Chef is a brand-new student volunteer project aimed at reducing food waste and teaching essential cooking skills through simple and tasty box meals. 

Our winners identified nearby food suppliers who could share ingredients near expiration date. They designed meal kits using them in creative and simple ways, offering tips on how to store and use ingredients to extend their shelf life. They provide an affordable, sustainable option for students looking to reduce food waste and support environmentally friendly practices. They also pass on cooking skills and recipes to make life easier too!  

The judges commended Thrifty Chef’s attention to detail. They didn’t even want to produce paper waste by printing out instructions, using digital means wherever possible. Measuring their impact, in term 1 and 2, they saved 1057 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. Food that would have gone to waste is being saved, so the output from their production isn't going to waste. This is a brilliant student response to multiple problems, and has benefits for not only physical but mental wellbeing, not to mention financial. 

Several of the judges attested to their meal kits being excellent value and very tasty too! 

Runner Up: Megan Hardiman 

Megan was labelled “exemplary” in their nomination form. By helping to facilitate the distribution of sustainable sanitary products and reusable drinking items across their school, Megan has supported students to make the move to something more environmentally friendly. While it’s easy to say we “should” do these things, Megan did the hard work of actually making things happen on the ground and facilitating a lasting change.   

Megan unreservedly gives their time in the many roles at the University, and outside of university, volunteers for charities inspired by their love of preserving the Earth and making a better future for us all. The person nominating called Megan “uncommonly kind”. 

Winner: Maxime Levasseur

As President of Sexpression:Newcastle, Maxime orchestrated the successful National Conference. They facilitated workshops, panels, and engaging discussions around sex-positivity and education. Her hard work resulted in an event hosting over 50 attendees from all over the UK, promoting sex-positive expression and education.  

Maxime is on the committee for Dance Club and has fundraised by planning and running a bake sale and a Big Sexy Quiz (which was attended by 77 non-members!). This is on top of Maxime’s very own sexual health initiative set up last year to ensure students have easy access to testing kits. Maxime’s contributions extend far beyond these three groups. They also played a pivotal role in the creation of the societies’ 'improving inclusivity' campaign.  

Maxime hasn’t just used their own voice for their own passions. Our winner has shouted up for others too – representing students across a multitude of opportunities, including welfare, sport, health, start up, volunteering, internships and research. They have represented the student point of view across a plethora of activities, impacting far and beyond them as an individual.  

So much of Maxime’s free time is spent working towards these many different goals – but with their inclusive, accessible lens always in sharp focus. 

Runner Up: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences PGR SSC (Student Staff Committee)  

With Sophia Long and Alex Neill as Co-Chairs, the PGR Student-Staff Committee for the School of Natural & Environmental Sciences set out to tackle 3 important themes this year: international student experience, supervisory relationships and loneliness/isolation. 

The group has been instrumental in achieving positive change in several ways already this year, including helping to define the process for the new Postgraduates who Teach policy. They have been setting up a Peer Mentor scheme, redesigning the Canvas community to make it more accessible, creating peer-led events to build community and share best practice, and working on an 'agreement' document to help structure discussions between new students and their supervisory team, ensuring clarity of expectations (something notoriously hard to navigate!). They’ve also been instrumental in achieving positive policy change.  

The judging panel was impressed with their effective teamwork and ability to bring people together to make change – which they noted is hard enough to do successfully paid jobs, let alone as volunteers! 

The group this team has to represent is large and very diverse – making it a tricky thing to get right. The diversity of the committee itself is one of the reasons they see such progress, proving difference can be a real strength. The SSC is a shining example of how positivity, planning and successful collaboration can drive transformation forward to improve things for everyone.   

Winner: Amy Jeffers 

The judges found themselves exclaiming – “What a CV! What a LinkedIn profile!”. Amy has been described as an asset to the Cranswick Gourmet Kitchen team, going above and beyond to ensure every piece of work is delivered to a gold class standard. 

Amy took on a lot of responsibility and hit the ground running, gaining the confidence of the company who placed great trust in them. The judges felt that Amy’s nomination really epitomises what the workplace awards are all about– making a significant difference, on top of their education, and such an impact that the company wants to employ them on their graduation because they can’t do without them! 

Due to their skill set and ability, Amy is now fully managing the Pret account at Cranswick Gourmet Kitchen, having been down to Pret Head Office in London without management supervision to present the products, giving the customer full in-depth detail behind the development and operational processes. Pret business will contribute 10 – 20% increase to the site, adding £8 million of sales across the year, which Amy made a serious contribution to.   

Runner up: Nell Fabian-Kolpanowicz 

Nell really demonstrates what can be achieved when students take on a placement with an open mind and a can-do attitude. Nell’s work has delivered impact for people across communities – in the advice they give, their lobbying to local MPs, and their wider briefing papers. What’s more, much of the impact they’ve made has been for some of the most vulnerable people in society. Nell clearly has a passion and a talent for social justice, and the judges were thoroughly impressed with how much confidence had been placed in them, being given such responsibility. They were also impressed in Nell’s work being a representative of the company and the breadth of campaigning work they did, as a student, was incredible! 

Throughout their placement, Nell has added value through advice delivery; campaigning and by developing a more inclusive office environment. It is their Research and Campaigns Work, however, that made this nominee stand out. With a focus on housing issues, Nell recognised the impact of proposed amendments to the Renters Reform Bill, and contacted local MPs, preparing briefing papers with client cases to highlight where people had been unfairly evicted from their homes.  

Through Nell’s grassroots work, listening to people’s problems, coming up with solutions, they gathered insights that contributed to potential changes in national policy and legislation – ultimately as a student being able to contribute to the amendment of a bill to go to a second reading is testament to their influencing skills! The judging panel really loved how Nell helped people practically in communities, and then applied the lessons learnt to help many more people on a wider societal level.   

Winner: Jonathan Lee 

The winner of this award proves that one person can create a real change, making a positive difference in people’s lives, and that campaigning really works when a person is passionate and inspired.  

Jonathan was elected to be a voluntary Liberation Officer at NUSU, taking on responsibility for representing the interests of all ethnically diverse students at Newcastle University and has worked diligently to foster a more inclusive environment, increase representation and visibility and contribute to work which opposes prejudices and racism.   

A regular fixture at the Students’ Union, Jonathan has supported sabbatical officers in their activities, made students’ voices heard by submitting Student Council motions - including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, and worked on the SU response to the crisis. They dove into organising the Festival of Culture, helping highlight and celebrate different cultures. Jonathan has worked in partnership with University teams on the Access & Participation Plan and has presented at the Student Summit regarding the Awarding Gap, a known injustice for diversity. 

Runner Up: Indonesian Society 

Indonesian Society has made significant strides in promoting Indonesian culture and fostering a sense of community on campus. They have shown a real dedication to prioritising inclusivity within their body of work, through a sustained effort, all year. The group has not only offered events for people in their own community but has also widely promoted their culture outside of that, working to engage students in the arts, customs and the politics of their culture. Collaborating with other societies, they fulfilled a great number of student needs, ranging from political activism and connecting with other groups to promote understanding of their home country.  

From their captivating World Angklung Day booths to engaging social media content celebrating Indonesian calendar dates, their dedication shines through. Through vibrant events like the Discover Indonesia showcase, and frequent collaborations with other societies, they have bridged cultural gaps and created opportunities for cultural exchange. Their inclusive approach and commitment to sharing Indonesian heritage have not only enriched the experience of students at Newcastle University but have also encouraged a sense of pride and identity among Indonesian Students. Lastly, the judging panel was so impressed that they really want to participate in the events next year!  

Winner: N.E.S.T 

Looking at the impact regarding a clear social and civic need, this group never fails to deliver, year on year. North East Solidarity and Teaching (N.E.S.T) is a student-led volunteer project designed to educate, empower and integrate the forced migration community in the North East of England. They support roughly 700 refugees and asylum seekers each year with the help of student volunteers and operate over 20 sessions each week teaching English to adults and children, playing sports, promoting arts and creativity, and organising trips in the region.   

N.E.S.T not only provided support to individuals, but also to a great number of schools, who are wading through difficulties around resource and time, and seemingly insurmountable pressures on the system. This means these students’ contributions make an even wider impact than just on the learners they ostensibly assist.

N.E.S.T receives nominations every year, but the number of students they continue to engage is wonderful. Despite a rather tumultuous year, having said goodbye to the great bulk of the project’s previous senior volunteer team, they still deliver on their noble mission with an incredible level of output.

This volunteer project is truly a regional leader in educating, empowering and integrating the forced migration community in the North East of England, supporting an impressive 700 refugees and asylum seekers each year. 

The judging panel was blown away by the professional structure involved – with over 50 student leads, this is clearly a triumph of teamwork and organisation.  

Runner Up: AMSA Newcastle 

AMSA Newcastle at NUMed Malaysia is a group that has shown a deep commitment to supporting both their members and their community, in so many ways.  

The group's commitment to holistic community welfare is far-reaching. Their Oral Health Camp not only imparted crucial dental hygiene knowledge but also provided essential supplies, promoting long-term oral health, benefiting well over 100 people. This event also showed their professionalism by collaborating with the Ministry of Health, Malaysia.  

Monthly visits to Berkat Children Home fostered relationships and provided invaluable mentorship and skill-building opportunities, positively impacting the lives of young residents. Similarly, AMSA's monthly soup kitchens, supported 40+ unhoused community members, alleviating immediate hunger while offering compassionate support and medical aid.  

These are just some examples of their voluntary work, and the judging panel was impressed by the breadth of activity – it was hard to think of a section of society that AMSA don’t reach out to! Putting their medical training into action this early is surely creating a cohort of professionals ready to take on the world.  

Carson Wong  

CSA Award Winnner for: Outstanding Contribution to NUTV (Student Media Awards) 

Since returning to NUTV at the start of the academic year, Carson has never failed to bring professionalism, skill and precision to NUTV productions as part of their management team. This can be seen by the exceptional quality live streams he has produced not only for the NUSU elections, but also Fight Night and other events such as RAG week. He is so thorough and takes the time to teach skills to others, never being afraid of volunteering for new opportunities in NUTV’s development.   

George Brownless  

CSA Award Winner for: Outstanding Contribution to NSR (Student Media Awards) 

George Brownless has been a friendly, welcoming face to Student Media at Newcastle University since the day he joined. Not only is he just a wonderful person, but he has provided countless noteworthy articles for The Courier, been a valuable crew member for NUTV, and was an exceptional Head of Tech for NSR this past year. Without his knowledge and dedication to the radio station, we wouldn’t be able to survive as long as we have, and he has taught countless contributors new skills in the studio while also having his own show on his greatest passion – Formula One.   

Imogen Smillie  

CSA Award Winner for: Outstanding Contribution to The Courier (Student Media Awards)  

Imogen is an absolute asset to The Courier’s senior team. She never fails to chip in and help when needed, and has always been a friendly face in the office. Her kind temperament and willingness to help sub-editors within her role as Head of Culture at the newspaper is a testament to her nature. Her skills as both a writer and editor and how she works as part of the team are a shining example of make makes Student Media here at Newcastle University.    

Sophie McMillan  

CSA Award Winner for: The Monica Doughty Award (Student Media Awards) 

Sophie has been involved in Student Media throughout her time at Newcastle University, winning Outstanding Contribution to NUTV in 2023 and continuing to put in heaps of work to all branches this academic year. Despite countless setbacks, Sophie always shows up and contributes fantastic, meaningful work to all three branches of Student Media, and is well known amongst our community for being incredible friendly and extremely talented, always willing to give 110%.   

Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra  

CSA Award Winner for: Best Society Event Award (Societies Awards)  

Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra (NUJO) has showcased its commitment to arts, media, and culture through its outstanding contributions to the local music scene. The Cobalt jazz jam, held in collaboration with Durham University Jazz Orchestra, exemplifies NUJO's dedication to promoting jazz music and fostering community engagement.  

Attracting over 250 attendees, including students and members of the public, the jazz jam at Cobalt Studios provided a platform for musicians to collaborate and showcase their talents in a vibrant and inclusive environment. NUJO's initiative to move the event to Cobalt Studios, a renowned non-profit music venue, not only expanded its reach but also supported the local music community.   

NUJO's efforts to organize and deliver this event, highlight their dedication to promoting music and the cultural landscape of Newcastle University.  

Natalia Ochodzka 

CSA Award Winner for: Administrator of the Year (AU Sport Awards)   

Natalia keeps the Volleyball Club together: supporting over 120 members of two performance teams, two development teams and social team members, and encouraging new people to join the Club. She puts time and effort into managing the Club's current needs and development opportunities. Besides being a very thorough treasurer, she organises all travel, charity events, deals with kit and equipment issues and tries to make the club as inclusive and open to everyone as possible by creating events on and off the court, including collaborations with other AU Clubs and the Give It A Go programme.  

Dance Club 

CSA Award Winner for: Club of the Year (AU Sport Awards) 

Dance Club is one of the largest and most popular sports clubs at the university, with an amazing 421 members. They have 18 classes on every week, in 8 styles with 3 levels of difficulty, all whilst remaining completely student-led, which is rare amongst university dance clubs. They have 16 different competition teams who represent the club around the country and have seen immense competitive success, winning a record-breaking 35 trophies last competition season! They make a great contribution to the local community by supporting a local charity every year and were awarded the EYS Gold Award this year.   

Borussia Modernlangbach 

CSA Award Winner for: Fundraiser of the Year (Community Impact Awards) 

The 7 a-side football team Borussia Modernlangbach completed a month-long running challenge to raise money for the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). During the month each and every team member swapped their boots for running shoes, culminating in a team run from West Jesmond Metro to Tynemouth Metro (14km) - with 13 of the team completing the run. In total they reached their goal of 542.5km and raised over £2000 for the charity. 

Gabrielle Joyce 

CSA Award Winner for: Individual Contribution to University Sport (AU Sport Awards) 

With Dance Club having more members than ever before and the success of their competition teams, shows, workshops and fundraising events this year, Gabby has shown unbelievable commitment, devoting her time to two competition teams as well as chairing the club as a whole.  She has choreographed multi-award-winning performances, with one dance winning 1st place and being the judges’ overall favourite of the day. She was able to achieve EYS Gold Award for the club, showing how much she does to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Gabby can be found at all club events, making an effort to ensure all club members feel welcome.  

Running Club Society

CSA Award Winner for: Best Society Committee Award (Societies Awards)

Running Club's committee has made an exceptional contribution this year through their dedication to fostering an inclusive running community and promoting wellbeing among students. With initiatives like the Christmas soiree and ‘Couch to 5k’ plan, they've not only encouraged physical activity but also provided opportunities for social engagement amongst their members. Their commitment to charity fundraising, including their support for the Teenage Cancer Trust, showcases their wider impact on the community. Through the committee’s leadership, creativity, and passion for running, this club has truly made a positive difference this year.

Brush Up 

CSA Award Winner for: Community Outreach Award (Community Impact Awards) 

Brushup is a student-led volunteering group where dental students go out to the public to teach communities about the importance of brushing and good oral hygiene. Mainly their focus is on children, however this year especially they’ve gone above and beyond their usual scope and reached out to asylum seekers, mother & toddler groups and people with disabilities. They’ve done amazing work and educated over 1000 people. The project has given the student volunteers an invaluable opportunity to interact with different groups from society and gain practical experience with patients before they start their clinical years in the dental hospital.  

Maxime Levasseur 

CSA Award Winner for: Wellbeing Champion Award (Community Impact Awards) 

Throughout the past year Maxime has demonstrated her commitment to improving wellbeing amongst her peers in a variety of different settings. She is the Charity & Welfare Officer of Dance Club, Creator and Lead of the sexual health project Check Us Out, President of Sexpression:Newcastle and has championed wellbeing through her role as a peer mentor.  

AMSA Newcastle (NUMed) 

CSA Award Winner for: Society of the Year (NUMed Awards) 

AMSA has distinguished itself as the most consistent and proactive society this year, introducing a diverse array of impactful events aimed at engaging and benefiting fellow students. With the inception of new initiatives like HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living), My Body My Boundaries, and Rise and Rest events, AMSA has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community outreach and well-being. Their new academic event, QUEST (Quality, Understanding & Exploration in Scientific Thinking): Intro to Research workshop added something else, and in addition to all their established community outreach such as the Oral Health Camp and Kechara Soup Kitchen, they’re a credit to the campus.  

Sexpression: Newcastle 

CSA Award Winner for: Best Specialty Society (Societies Awards) 

Sexpression: Newcastle has excelled in providing advocacy and education in the realm of sexual health and positivity this year. In hosting the National Conference for Sexpression: UK, Sexpression: Newcastle demonstrated its commitment to advancing the conversation on sexual health on a national scale. Drawing attendees from across the country, the conference served as a platform to promote sex-positivity and better sexual health practices, extending the society's influence far beyond its immediate community. Sexpression: Newcastle's engagement in national campaigns such as "Best If You Test" shows its dedication to raising awareness and providing crucial information on STI testing. Furthermore, the society's commitment to training volunteers and equipping them with the necessary skills to engage with young people in schools exemplifies its dedication to grassroots education and outreach.   

NutriTank 

CSA Award Winner for: Trailblazer Award for Most Improved Society (Societies Awards) 

The Nutritank Society has undergone a remarkable transformation, earning it the Trailblazer Society Award for its outstanding contributions and positive impact on students. From teaching budget-friendly cooking classes and collaborating with other societies to hosting social events like pottery painting and wellness activities such as pilates and beach walks, Nutritank has created a vibrant and inclusive community. Under the leadership of the committee, the society has seen significant growth in membership and event attendance compared to previous years. Their efforts have not only expanded the society's reach but also created a supportive environment, especially for nutrition and dietetics students. 

What sets Nutritank apart is its innovative approach to event planning and execution. By offering a mix of social, academic, and health-focused events, they ensure that there is something for everyone. The regularity of their events, with approximately three events every month, has made it easier for students to participate and build connections.  

Marrow Society 

CSA Award Distinguished Runner Up for: Trailblazer Award for Most Improved Society (Societies Awards) 

Marrow Society have worked hard to improve this year, having massively increased their membership, putting on lots of events to raise funds for Anthony Nolan Marrow Trust and placing Top 3 in the National rankings for Hero Week, recruiting over 150 individuals. They spread awareness for their cause by organising events such as Donor Recruitment Drives, fundraising and volunteering, as well as collaborating with other societies. Overall, the committee have worked hard to improve the society and make sure they consistently deliver events for members while working towards their cause.  

Speech & Language Therapy Society 

CSA Award Winner for: Best Academic Society (Societies Awards)  

The Speech and language Therapy society have excelled at providing academic opportunities, raising awareness for various conditions, fundraising for charity, hosting social events, and providing support for its members throughout this Academic Year. Academic opportunities included SLT speed dating events with specialists, webinars on interview tips and job opportunities, study groups for VIVA examinations, practical skills sessions beneficial for future careers. 

In addition, they organised Developmental Language Day, fundraised on dysphagia awareness days, with Mental Health Day bake sales and for charities such as Papyrus, lit up the Millennium Bridge to raise awareness for developmental language disorder. They also held inclusive and accessible socials, considering both sober and non-sober options, and provided welfare support through emails and practical skills sessions. 

Megan Hardiman 

CSA Award Winner for: Environment & Sustainability Rep of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

Megan helped facilitate sustainable sanitary products in bathrooms in the Percy Building, aiding women on campus but being sustainable in the process. She also brought about the use of more economically friendly cups to be used in the Percy Cafe, which she also manages admirably. Additionally, she undertakes charity work outside of uni, inspired by her love of preserving the earth and making a better future.   

Thrifty Chef 

CSA Award Winner for: Sustainability Award (Community Impact Awards) 

Thrifty Chef is a brand new student volunteer project aimed at reducing food waste and teaching essential cooking skills through simple and tasty box meals. Ingredients that are nearing their expiration date but are still safe to eat are sourced from grocery stores and food suppliers, and meal kits are designed to use these ingredients in creative and simple ways, with the service also offering tips on how to store and use ingredients to extend their shelf life. The goal of this service is to provide a more affordable and sustainable option for customers who are looking to reduce food waste and support environmentally friendly practices. Over the short time it has been running this year, the small student team have saved 1057kg of greenhouse gas emissions, since waste food is being saved and output from its production isn't going to waste.   

Abbie Tunnicliffe & Emilia Smith 

CSA Award Winner for: Intern of the Year (Workplace Awards)  

Abbie and Emilia were employed as interns to measure the greenhouse gas emissions from two cows in the milking parlour at Newcastle University’s Nafferton Farm. After a few months the scale of the work increased, and the number of measurements increased from 2-50 cows. The hard work of Abbie and Emilia has accelerated the research and has enabled Newcastle University to write successful grant proposals based on the data they collected. Part of the funding includes salaries for more interns in the future, with Abbie and Emilia setting a high standard for them to meet.  

Beker Khalid 

CSA Award Winner for: Digital Rep of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

Beker’s dedication to amplifying student voices, fostering inclusivity, and driving positive change on campus has been unparalleled. Through effective communication, innovative initiatives, and unwavering advocacy, he has significantly improved the student experience.  

Maxime Levasseur  

CSA Award Winner for: Changemaker the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

In her role as President of Sexpression:Newcastle, Maxime organised, ran, and hosted the yearly National Conference for the charity Sexpression:UK.  Her hard work resulted in an event hosting over 50 attendees from all over the UK, promoting sex-positive expression and education. She also planned and ran a fundraising bake sale and planned and hosted a fundraising Big Sexy Quiz (which was attended by 77 non-members!), both to help fund the conference – raising over £300.  

Rowan Powell 

CSA Award Winner for: Digital Rep of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

Rowan is a true advocate for ensuring technology and arts and humanities can work in tandem. Rowan's work has made the student cohort feel more at ease when regarding the place of the digital world within programmes such as literature.  

Cristina Guirola Carias De Newell 

CSA Award Winner for: EDI Rep of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

Cristina is an influential and integral part of the EDI committee, helping to raise money for charities focusing on world health, co-creating a medical terminology EDI handbook which has been included within the Faculty of Medical Sciences Athena Swan application.    

Jonathan Lee 

CSA Award Winner for: Liberation Officer of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

As the Ethnic Diversity Officer, Jonathan has been involved in several projects so far and has really gone above and beyond the part time voluntary nature of this role. This includes participating in committees, staff-focused meetings, working on the BAME Welcome Pack and supporting Festival of Culture events.    

Zitong Zhan 

CSA Award Winner for: PG Course Rep of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

ZiTong has worked with staff in Arts in Cultures, including the PG Dean to improve the PG student experience. In particular, ZiTong has brough the concerns of international students to the attention of staff, improving understanding and ensuring the international PG voice is heard.   

Minki Sung 

CSA Award Winner for: PG School Rep of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

As a PGR School Rep for Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, Minki has led initiatives to foster a sense of belonging among PGRs. This includes designing a survey to assess the PGR research environment, compiling a report, coordinating events, and developing strategies for enhancing the research community.  

Poppy Bedford 

CSA Award Winner for: Student Secretary of the Year (SSC) (Student Rep Awards)  

As Secretary of the Music SSC, Poppy has helped bring together a thriving community through her enthusiasm and professionalism, ensuring minutes are swiftly written up and putting in hours outside of meetings to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and issues are resolved.  

School of Natural and Environmental Sciences PGR SSC (Student Staff Committee) 

CSA Award Winner for: SSC of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences PGR SSC has been instrumental in achieving positive change in a number of ways already this year, including helping to define the process for the new Postgraduates who Teach policy. The SSC is a shining example of how positivity, planning and successful collaboration can drive transformation forward to improve things for everyone.  

Laura Hickman 

CSA Award Winner for: UG Course Rep of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

Laura has been a proactive and enthusiastic contributor to the Psychology Student Staff Committee this year. She helped a module leader gain invaluable insights into student feedback and also created posts regarding academic tools for students such as MathsAid which were uploaded in the SSC Instagram page and Canvas module.  

Evelyn Fong  

CSA Award Winner for: UG School Rep of the Year (Student Rep Awards)  

As UG School Rep for Arts and Cultures, Evelyn has demonstrated a sensitivity to student issues, dedication to raising these issues at a School. Faculty and University level, and a willingness to help other students. She has championed and achieved more out of hour access for facilities in cultural lab and Armstrong building, due to student-specific need, and also volunteers as a Peer Mentor alongside her School Rep work. 

Amy Jeffers 

CSA Award Winner for: Placement Student of the Year (large business)  

(Workplace Awards)  

Amy is an asset to the Cranswick Gourmet Kitchen team, going above and beyond to ensure every piece of work is delivered to a gold class standard. Due to Amy’s skill set and ability she was given the Pret account to manage solo. She has visited to Pret Head Office in London without management supervision to present proposed products, giving the customer full in-depth detail behind the development and operational processes, and the deal is now in the position of commercial sign off. Pret business will contribute 10 – 20% increase to site, adding £8 million of sales across the year, which Amy made a serious contribution to.  

Ellie Short  

CSA Award Winner for: Apprentice of the Year (Workplace Awards)  

Ellie apprenticed in the Learning and Skills Department at FIRST, and was given the responsibility of supporting and developing a team of staff to ensure they provide high quality education to learners across the Northeast. She is committed and dedicated in her work to ensure that FIRST excels at the delivery of contracts and has been a driving lead in the company securing year-on-year growth of contracts for the past 2 years. Ellie takes on new challenges with enthusiasm and has developed her skills in event management, event hosting and stakeholder engagement.  

Neha Ramchandani 

CSA Award Winner for: Newcastle University Worker of the Year (Workplace Awards)  

Three members of staff nominated this student for an exceptional performance over the past three years – demonstrating that this student is consistently motivated, proactive and enacts positive change. From 2021, this student supported a research project and went on to present findings to stakeholders at a local and national conference. As an employability ambassador, for two years, this student has excelled and shown exceptional levels of initiative and engagement, and in doing so has received fantastic feedback from staff, students and parents.   

Nell Fabian-Kolpanowicz 

CSA Award Winner for: Placement Student of the Year (small to medium sized business) (Workplace Awards)  

Throughout their placement, Nell has added value through advice delivery; campaigning and by developing a more inclusive office environment. It is her Research and Campaigns Work, however, that made this nominee stand out. With a focus on housing issues, they recognised the impact of proposed amendments to the Renters Reform Bill, and contacted local MPs, preparing briefing papers with client cases to highlight where people had been unfairly evicted from their homes. 

Islamic Society 

CSA Award Winner for: Students for Students Award (Community Impact Awards) 

Islamic Society has consistently provided valuable support to Muslim students year after year. One of their primary means of assistance is through organizing daily iftars (the meals to break fast) during Ramadan. This ensures that fasting students have access to a complimentary meal to break their fast, a service that has been a staple of the society’s offerings for several years, benefiting numerous students. 

Jonathan Lee Rong Sheng 

CSA Award Winner for: Inclusion and Accessibility Champion Award (Community Impact Awards)  

This year, Jonathan has taken on the role of Ethnic Diversity Officer at NUSU, one of the voluntary Liberation Officer positions. They have been responsible for representing the interests of all ethnically diverse students at Newcastle University and have worked diligently to foster a more inclusive environment, increase representation and visibility and contribute to work which opposes prejudices and racism.  

Indonesian Society 

CSA Award Winner for: Best Representative Society Award (Societies Awards)   

Indonesian Society has made significant strides in promoting Indonesian culture and fostering a sense of community on campus. From their captivating World Angklung Day booths to engaging social media content celebrating Indonesian calendar dates, their dedication shines through. Through vibrant events like the Discover Indonesia showcase and frequent collaborations with other societies, they've bridged cultural gaps and created opportunities for cultural exchange. Their inclusive approach and commitment to sharing Indonesian heritage have not only enriched the university experience for students but also fostered a sense of pride and identity among Indonesian Students.   

Newcastle Muslim Medics x Islamic Society 

CSA Award Winner for: Best Collaboration Award (Societies Awards)  

The Newcastle Muslim Medics and Islamic societies came together to host a vigil for the people in Gaza after the events on October 7th. In this vigil, our Islamic faith societies came together to show their support for students going through a hard time dealing with the loss of friends and family. It had a turnout of almost 200 individuals and speakers from various faiths and backgrounds who showed their solidarity. Overall, students have found that this event was impactful for the community and important in advocating for those affected.  

Palestine Society 

CSA Award Distinguished Runner Up for: Best Representative Society (Societies Awards)  

The Palestine Society, newly ratified this year, have been there to support students dealing with grief, loss and isolation in light of the events in Gaza. The committee have been doing their best to create a space for Palestinian students, show solidarity and representation. They have worked with other societies to plan vigils and demonstrations, using their voices on behalf of their community, and participated in NUSU’s Community Iftar for the Festival of Culture. Overall, they have shown outstanding resilience and passion when it comes to their society and community.  

N.E.S.T Project Leads

CSA Award Winner for: Student Leadership Award (Community Impact Awards) 

North East Solidarity and Teaching (N.E.S.T) is a student-led volunteer project designed to educate, empower and integrate the forced migration community in the North East of England. We support roughly 700 refugees and asylum seekers each year with the help of our student volunteers. We deliver over 20 sessions each week where we teach English, play sports, promote arts and creativity, go on trips in the region and much more. None of this would be possible without the work of over 50 incredible student Project Leads.   

Procrastiknitting 

CSA Award Winner for: Cost of Living Champion Award (Community Impact Awards) 

Procrastiknitting is a volunteering group where students come together to knit and crochet items for charity.  Many students have picked up knitting or crochet for the first time through Procrastiknitting, and this has improved their wellbeing, both through the mindful actions and the socialisation during the sessions. The group’s main focus is on donation of made items, but many students have found the environment particularly beneficial for their wellbeing. The group has been praised for the way that it has created a low-pressure environment, which has been particularly comfortable for students who are neurodivergent and those who struggle in some of the larger societies. 

Under One Sky 

CSA Award Winner for: New Volunteer Project of the Year Award (Community Impact Awards) 

Under One Sky Newcastle is a volunteer-run student initiative that aims to improve the lives of those affected by homelessness in Newcastle. Throughout their time at university, the group have become more aware of the issues of homelessness in the city and decided they could do something to support this community often overlooked by students, and the general population. They do this by running weekly walks where a group of three or four of our volunteers walk around central Newcastle with supplies, visiting the spots they know are most popular and aiming to support as many as they can.   

AMSA Newcastle 

CSA Award Winner for: Society Contribution to Community Award (NUMed Awards)  

The society's commitment to holistic community welfare is exemplified through various initiatives. The Oral Health Camp, benefiting 100 students, not only imparted crucial dental hygiene knowledge but also provided essential supplies, promoting long-term oral health. This event also showed their professionalism by collaborating with the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Monthly visits to Berkat Children Home fostered relationships and provided invaluable mentorship and skill-building opportunities, positively impacting the lives of young residents. Similarly, AMSA's monthly soup kitchens, aiding 40 homeless individuals each time, alleviate immediate hunger while offering compassionate support and medical aid.  

Fellwalking Society 

CSA Award Winner for: Society of the Year (Societies Awards)  

The society is welcoming of individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and levels of experience. The society's commitment to providing walks at different difficulty levels ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy the wonders of nature. Additionally, providing essential gear to newcomers reflects their dedication to fostering accessibility and inclusivity. Other than providing outdoor adventures, the society prioritises safety on walks, demonstrating careful planning and organization in every aspect of their activities. From coordinating transport and accommodation to planning routes and social events, the committee's efforts ensure memorable and enjoyable experiences for all members. 

Maxime Levasseur 

CSA Award Winner for: Best Individual Society Contribution Award (Societies Awards)  

Maxime's impact on the Newcastle University community is nothing short of extraordinary. As President of Sexpression:Newcastle, Maxime orchestrated the successful National Conference for Sexpression: UK, a monumental event that brought together over 50 attendees from across the country. Through meticulous planning and execution, she facilitated workshops, panels, and engaging discussions, amplifying the conversation around sex-positivity and education. She is also Charity & Welfare Officer for the Dance Club, and her fundraising efforts, including a bake sale and a Big Sexy Quiz, exemplify her commitment to supporting the society's initiatives and ensuring their sustainability beyond her tenure. Maxime's contributions extend beyond these two groups, as she also played a pivotal role in the creation of the societies 'improving inclusivity' campaign. 

Swift Society 

CSA Award Winner for: The Activities Officer's Choice Award (Societies Awards)  

As one of the largest societies with over 300 members, they have consistently delivered events their members love, as well as organized various collaborations with other societies. Their charity friendship bracelet crafting event had over 100 attendees, raising almost £250 for ‘Live Music Now’ and ‘Westgate Ark Cat Homing Centre’. The committee has worked with the Activities department to ensure all their events are planned in line with our policies and they have had zero negative issues despite having such a large membership. They are overall a fun, inclusive society loved by our students.