On Thursday 7 May, we held our seventeeth annual Union Awards, including the Excellence in Learning and Teaching awards.
Over the last 12 months, we have seen our members and University staff go above and beyond to support their peers and give their time freely for the betterment of the student experience, which makes the BNU community so unique. We hope you all enjoyed the evening, and congratulations to our winners.
Excellence in Learning and Teaching Awards
Excellence and Innovation in Student Learning Support
Sreeja Mannickal Thankappan (Physician Associate)
"Sreeja is an exceptional educator who creates a supportive, challenging, and inspiring environment for students to reach their potential. She simplifies complex concepts and presents them in a structured, clinically relevant way that improves understanding and retention. Her teaching is engaging, interactive, and tailored to diverse learning needs. She offers constructive feedback that identifies areas for improvement and guides students to excel. Her encouragement and mentorship have significantly supported academic performance and professional growth, providing a strong support system for her learners."
Demonstrating Excellence in Leadership
Paul Robinson (Estates & Facilities)
"Paul has worked closely with the Students’ Union, ensuring that student voices are heard. Throughout periods of transition, he has demonstrated a genuine willingness to listen and act on feedback. His leadership has been instrumental in delivering key student-focused initiatives, including improvements to Circuit Laundry facilities in Halls, the development of Rusty’s Retreat, the community kitchen in Aylesbury, among many others. Paul is a great example of values-led leadership within the institution, putting communication, inclusivity, and real results first."
Excellence and Innovation in Learning and Teaching Practice
Peter Waterman (Audio and Music Production)
"Peter exemplifies an outstanding colleague and student advocate in his role as Senior Lecturer in Music. He volunteers for responsibilities that strengthen the course cluster, such as curriculum development, quality assurance, and student recruitment. Peter approaches these with energy and passion, ensuring courses and studio facilities remain at the forefront of industry technology and are suitable for students’ needs and the quality they deserve. Peter has built industry partnerships and placement opportunities with local employers, such as Focusrite, enhancing employability and enriching the student experience."
Union Awards
Ambassador of the Year
Keleigh Brady (BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology)
"Keleigh has served as RAG Ambassador for two years, growing in confidence and emerging as a strong leader while engaging students in fundraising initiatives. She supports clubs and societies to run events and has organised multiple RAG Week activities, with more planned. Keleigh works closely with the Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service (RSASS) charity to maximise participation, and her commitment has made a meaningful difference. Her work on the ‘It’s Only Cool If It’s Mutual’ campaign, jointly with RSASS, also left a notable impression on staff and students."
RAG Charity Fundraiser of the Year
Islamic Society
"The ISOC Society has been busy raising funds and spreading funds for some amazing causes! Their One Ummah campaign brought in a fantastic £849. On top of that, their Sudan Emergency Appeal raised £269 during a vibrant Grand Iftar event, filled with community spirit and generosity. From sharing meals to making a difference, they’ve shown how powerful coming together can be in our communities. Every pound raised helps support those in need, and their efforts are truly inspiring. A huge well done to everyone involved for their kindness, energy, and commitment."
Student Rep of the Year
Will Brown (Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
"Will is a distance-learning apprenticeship student, but that has not stopped him from being a proactive and involved student rep. For the past 2 years, Will has been resolute in improving the student experience for himself and others, lobbying his course team when standards are not met, highlighting steps for positive action and is a passionate advocate for his course. Will has shown a strong and consistent dependability to apprenticeship students, an often underrepresented group. He has been incredibly effective in raising, articulating, and following up on the feedback and experiences of these students."
Academic Staff Partner of the Year
Chris Lewis (Creative Arts, Technology and Engineering)
"Chris has been a fantastic ally in student representation, championing the redevelopment of Programme Committee Meetings this year. The meetings he chaired within Creative Arts, Technology and Engineering were well managed, appropriately recognised the student co-chair, ran to time, and engaged constructively with feedback. Chris has also worked closely with Elected and College Officers, meeting regularly to address issues. He is proactive, passionate, and always open to student views."
Society Committee Member of the Year
Grace Gallagher (Paramedic Society)
"Grace, a January cohort Paramedic student, has been a standout committee member for the society, and she has had successes this year despite being out of the country for the first three months of the year. As Vice-Chair of the society, Grace has hit the ground running, including organising a 13-hour CPRathon, numerous guest speakers and regular socials, providing different ways for members to get involved with the society. She also excelled in organising BNU to become a Blood Donation Centre, with the first event happening in July later this year."
Ruth Gunstone Volunteer of the Year
Donna-Marie Langston (BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, Aylesbury)
"Donna is a pillar of community spirit, generously dedicating her time to supporting Communion classes and volunteering at her local church shop. Her commitment reflects a strong sense of service and care for others in her community. Alongside this, her creative talents shine through her work with Evelina’s Children’s Charity, where she crafts items to help raise vital funds. Donna’s involvement clearly demonstrates how one individual’s practical efforts and creativity can make a meaningful and lasting impact on important charitable causes."
Media Contributor of the Year
Sam Kennedy (BA (Hons) Media Production)
"Sam has been steadfast with media contributions since the start of the year, supporting numerous sporting fixtures. His allegiance has been highlighted at numerous points, including when he joined a two-man team at the crack of dawn to produce photos for the SMILE Campaign. Sam helped to film both the Varsity hype videos and the Varsity event, continually checking in to see what further assistance he could offer. Overall, Sam has been instrumental in providing high quality footage for the activities team this year."
Society of the Year
Paramedic Society
"The Paramedic Society have grown significantly this year and is well known across the university and wider community. The committee have worked tirelessly, juggling placements, different student intakes, and a demanding course to remain active and consistent throughout the year. The society offers a strong mix of social engagement and professional development, ensuring a positive impact on the student experience. They have organised events with Parkrun, delivered CPR education to the public, run simulation training with army cadets and scouts, amongst other initiatives. Their 13-hour CPR-a-thon also engaged the BNU community while teaching a vital life skill."
Joseph Snode Commercial Services Student Staff Member of the Year
Ed Barlow (BA (Hons) Film and Television Production)
"Ed consistently goes out of his way to support The Venue and those he works with, and his positive attitude makes a real difference to everyone on shift. What sets Ed apart is his willingness to step up when the team needs it most. He regularly picks up shifts others cannot cover, including those that are harder to fill. Knowing Ed can be relied upon gives the team confidence and shows his commitment. When on shift, Ed works extremely hard, whether setting up, supporting events, or packing down, always giving full effort. His reliability, dedication, and positive attitude make him a real asset to the Events Crew team."
Membership Services Student Staff Member of the Year
Kaitlin Pearce (BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies)
"Kaitlin is a quiet yet highly effective College Officer who, over two years, has shown strong dedication to the student experience. She is incredibly dependable and always ready to support the Representation team, even at short notice. Kaitlin never misses deadlines, keeps the feedback loop active, and shares friendly newsletters and Instagram posts that keep reps informed and connected. Proactive, professional, and collaborative, Kaitlin has made a lasting impact on student voice in her College and will be missed upon graduation."
Professional Service Employee Partner of the Year
Javier Alonso Laso (Accommodation)
"Javi has been a great advocate for students at BNU this year. From supporting the student Circuit Laundry campaign to lower the price of laundry in halls, working with the Students’ Union Elected Officers to lobby for better Wi-Fi quality across our residences, and acting in the interests of students to set up Alex House to support commuting students, Javi always focuses on how we can improve student life at BNU. Javi’s ongoing commitment is reflected in his consistent nominations for this award, demonstrating his sustained commitment to improving the student experience across multiple areas of campus life."
Campaigner of the Year
Ben Gibbons (BA (Hons) Music Production) & Ellie Lee (MA Filmmaking)
"Buckin’ Buzzin’ has gone from strength to strength this year, and it’s been great to see Ben’s enthusiasm and confidence grow as the project expanded after he first brought the idea to the Rep team. He can be relied on to run the event independently working with students, liaising with barbers, and ensuring a positive experience. Alongside this, Ben co-led the Circuit Laundry campaign with Ellie and, as a Senior Resident, worked with the Accommodation team to provide valuable insight to improve the laundry facilities."
"Ellie has worked on numerous campaigns this year to improve students’ experiences. From her continued work involving students from all campuses in Big Deal activities, Healthcare Festivals and Leadership Campaigns to her work in collaboration with Ben to improve Circuit Laundry, Ellie centres her campaigns around making life better for students with priorities of cost of living, student experience, belonging and mental health. She is passionate about her work and continues to pursue objectives until they are achieved."
Student Leadership Award
Ritamary Benny (BSc (Hons) Aviation Management with Private Pilot Training in Aeroplanes)
"As a Student Rep, College Officer, Student Voice Officer, Student Trustee, and Bucks New Usage Ambassador, Ritamary has truly demonstrated what it means to be a student leader. She is passionate and dedicated and it has been wonderful to see her confidence improve over her three years at university. Ritamary has been a great advocate for the international student experience, working across disciplines to raise awareness of the issues these students face, and how we can best support them. Ritamary will be greatly missed when she leaves this year, and the lasting impact she has made on the Union will continue to be felt after her departure."
Union Fellowship
Union Fellowship is an award that the Students’ Union shall bestow on an annual basis to a member of the student or graduate community of Buckinghamshire New University. The recipient must have demonstrated an outstanding degree of commitment, initiative, and positive impact over a minimum of three years during their time at the University. This award is the pinnacle of our recognition of student or alumni contributions.
Bethany Jackson (Outgoing Elected Officer and BSc (Hons) Sports Psychology alumni)
"Bethany Jackson has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Students’ Union from the very beginning of her time at BNU. Progressing from active society member to Student Rep and School Officer, she quickly established herself as a passionate advocate for student voice. Alongside contributing over 500 volunteering hours, she showed strong leadership across multiple societies and initiatives. Elected and re‑elected as an Officer, she has championed meaningful change across campuses, always putting students first. Her dedication, impact, and legacy embody the very best of student leadership."
Honorary Life Membership
Honorary Life Membership will be bestowed upon those individuals who have dedicated a minimum of five years of exceptional contribution or service to the furtherance of our Students’ Union. It is not expected that these awards will simply be given annually, but rather when candidates fulfil the necessary requirements. Recipients need not have studied at Buckinghamshire New University
Paul Morgan (Pro-Vice Chancellor, Pedagogy & Practice)
"Paul Morgan has exemplified an outstanding partnership between the Students’ Union and the University for over 20 years. Across a wide range of leadership roles, he has consistently championed student voice, translating feedback into meaningful change. Known for his fairness, authenticity, and approachable style, Paul has supported key improvements to student services and engagement. A visible and committed presence across campus life, his positive, collaborative approach has made a lasting impact on both the Union and the wider student community."
Julia Crooks (Welfare Adviser, Bucks Students' Union)
"Julia Crooks has dedicated nearly five decades to Buckinghamshire New University and Bucks Students' Union, from her early days as a student and Students’ Union officer to an extraordinary 26-year career supporting tens of thousands of students. Through her work in the Advice Centre, she has guided students on issues ranging from finance to wellbeing, while championing student-focused policies and supporting Union development. A trusted colleague, mentor, and advocate, Julia’s lasting impact on student life is immeasurable, and her contribution represents a truly outstanding legacy."
Congratulations once again to all of this year's winners, and thanks to all who attended the event!