February
Top Queen’s student wins national award
28 February 14
A Queen’s student has beaten off stiff competition to win the UK Student Volunteer of the Year award at a glitzy award ceremony in London.
22-year-old Aidan Bannon from Belfast was announced as the winner by award organisers Student Hubs, part of the National Union of Students, at a gala celebration at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, last night.
Unfortunately, the fourth-year medical student was unable to attend the London ceremony but was presented with his award in Belfast by Wendy Osborne, CEO of local organisation Volunteer Now. She said it was in recognition of Aidan’s commitment to a wide variety of projects, including the Queen’s University Red Cross Society, which he founded. The society now boasts upwards of 60 members who, along with Aidan, have helped over 3,500 young people.
Aidan, who hopes to graduate in 2015, has also been involved in the student Volunteer Academy and spearheaded the Mind Your Mood campaign at Queen’s, which has engaged with 1,300 students this year, over 600 of whom attended a mental-health workshop.
At Queen’s University Red Cross, Aidan developed a three-month long community engagement project focusing on the personal development of young people aged 10-18 in Belfast.
The 22-year-old's achievements triumphed last night over a range of inspiring community projects around Britain and Northern Ireland including a scheme to support minors in custody and another aimed at inspiring young people through the performing arts.
The student medic, who is considering a career in paediatrics or public health, has previously won a number of awards including the UK Endsleigh Student of the Year award and the Belfast Community Impact Award.
Commenting on his latest accolade, Aidan said he was “delighted”.
He added: “It truly is an honour to represent student volunteers around the UK and to champion the excellent work they do. I hope the award encourages more students to volunteer and also raises the profile of Queen’s University Medical School as a hub of great volunteering and leadership opportunities. Community-based and charitable organisations are an important cornerstone of all areas of society and increased student engagement with them will undoubtedly help to diversify skill sets of students, generate fresh ideas and create valuable and valued relationships for all involved.”
Pro-Vice Chancellor at Queen’s, Tony Gallagher said: “Volunteering has become a key part of the student experience at Queen’s University and Aidan Bannon is one of our most inspirational volunteers. Aidan has already won a string of awards for his volunteering work and now adds the accolade of UK Student Volunteer of the Year. Aidan not only devotes a lot his time to volunteering, but has encouraged many others to sign up and help change lives. Queen’s University is very proud of Aidan’s success and the inspirational example he provides for other students and young people.”
Enterprise and Development Support Office at Queen’s Students’ Union, Lynne Weir, who nominated Aidan for the award, said it was “so well-deserved”.
She added: “I have worked with Aidan in the past and he has boundless energy. He’s an inspiration to students and staff alike about what’s possible.”
This week is Student Volunteer Week and saw Queen’s Students’ Union deliver a packed schedule of workshops and events to recognise the volunteering efforts of students and showcase opportunities available to them. Aidan Bannon said he would encourage anyone to take up volunteering.
“Volunteering will expand and increase your opportunities,” he said. “You can meet new people, develop your character and realise your own passion and ideas. My advice is to think carefully about what you are passionate about when getting involved.”
Find out more about the awards here.
Picture Caption (L-R) Lucia Kearney Volunteer and Development Support Officer, Wendy Osbourne CEO of Volunteer Now, Aidan Bannon winner of the UK Student Volunteer of the Year and Lynne Weir Enterprise and Development Support Officer.