Queen’s University and Students' Union honoured both students and staff at the Volunteering Excellency Awards on Monday 3 June in the Great Hall. The event, sponsored by Reid Black Solicitors, was held to celebrate the positive contribution that Queen’s volunteers make both locally and internationally. An impressive 13,000 Queen’s students actively volunteered through various activities this year alone and a mammoth £335,586 was raised by all nominees and winners during this time.
The black tie event saw over 160 guests in attendance, inspirational talks from keynote speaker John McMullan CEO of Bryson Charitable Group and Amy Keegan Chair of QUB RAG, musical performances from QUB’s Got Talent winners, Hannah Lynch and Matthew Flanagan, and fellow contestant Feargal Murphy, and of course the eight prestigious awards which were presented to the exceptional, inspirational and committed students and staff of Queen’s University Belfast.
The winners were chosen based on volunteer accomplishments, impact on an individual group or community and leadership. The selection panel commented on the high standard of the nominees and the level of commitment shown to the University and the community.
Awards
The Student Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Aidan Bannon for his founding of The QUB Red Cross Society, his spearheading of the QUB ‘Mind Yer Mate’ campaign, an innovative suicide awareness project and his outstanding 500+ hours of volunteering this year alone.
The Staff Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Professor Allen Thurston for his 30 years of volunteering in mountain rescue, his assistance in over 200 mountain rescues and his commitment to The North West Mountain Rescue Team (NWMRT).
The Course Representative of the Year Award was presented to Neale Watson of The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering for the impact he has made to his degree course and to the improvement of the educational experience of Queen’s students.
The Charitable/Voluntary Event or Activity of the Year Award was presented to The ‘Mind Yer Mate’ Campaign for raising awareness of the Mental Health support available, educating students who may be concerned about a friend or family member and collecting money for quality support services for those affected by suicide.
Image Caption: Joe Robson, Sword Security presents the Voluntary Charitable Event of the Year Award to The ‘Mind Yer Mate’ Campaign
The Charitable/Voluntary Club or Society of the Year Award was presented to QUB Red Cross for its engagement with over 3,000 young people and students in local and international humanitarian issues and basic first aid, making the community and campus a safer place.
The Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Dr Clive Black for his instrumental role in supporting closer links between Queen’s and business through his contribution to Queen’s business leader forums and Queen’s City Leadership Group which provides student internships.
Image Caption: Norma Sinte Director of Development and Alumni Relations Queen’s University Belfast presents the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award to Dr Clive Black
The Queen’s Improvement to Society Accolade was awarded to Paul Harkin and Richard Kennedy for their central role in a £4.4 million invested, three year initiative to develop more effective tests for and treatment of certain forms of cancer.
Image Caption: Stephen Walker accepts the Queen’s Improvement to Society Award on behalf of Paul Harkin and Richard Kennedy from Jason O’Neill, President Queen’s Students’ Union
The Special Contribution Award was presented to Aidan Hughes, VP Community of Queen’s Students’ Union for his creation of a great number of initiatives to increase the sense of unity within the Queen’s student base and local community, including The Volunteering Excellency Awards, The Volunteer Academy, Homework Clubs and Street Reps.