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.
On Thursday 8 May, we held our sixteenth 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
Jessica Wray (Paramedicine)
"Jessica has consistently gone above and beyond to support her students, demonstrating a deep commitment to their learning and wellbeing. Whether meeting students on her days off, offering guidance on dissertations beyond her formal duties, or creating extra sessions to plug gaps in the curriculum, she ensures no student feels left behind. Her innovative approach to simulation learning, including interactive games and engaging activities, has transformed pharmacology teaching. Jessica’s organisation, care, and dedication have made a lasting impact on her students."
Demonstrating Excellence in Academic Leadership
Nicola Mallowan (Psychology)
"Nicola is a driving force within the Psychology department. As the new course lead for the MSc Applied Forensic Psychology, she has revitalised the programme, doubled recruitment, and enhanced student experiences through guest speakers, conferences, and research opportunities, including winning several funding bids for research and conferences. Nicola builds valuable industry links that benefit both students and the wider University, while also mentoring students at every level—from undergraduate to PhD. Her tireless commitment fosters academic excellence and innovation across the department and beyond."
Excellence and Innovation in Learning and Teaching Practice
Kompel Campion (Computing)
"Kompel is a dedicated and engaging educator who creates a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where every student feels supported. Her lessons are interactive and thoughtfully structured, making complex topics easy to understand and enjoyable to learn. She offers clear, detailed feedback and responds swiftly to student queries, ensuring no one is left behind. Kompel’s professional and accommodating approach consistently fosters confidence and success among her students, making a meaningful impact on their learning journey."
Union Awards
Ambassador of the Year
William Hercus
"Will has been an exceptional Sport For Fun Ambassador for Volleyball this year, and has furthered the growth of the recreational team. In total, over 100 people have participated in a session, demonstrating Will’s commitment and leadership. Will also created new opportunities for the team, entering them into 2 South East Sports Development tournaments, alongside assisting the Union’s Student Activities team with Volley4RAG. It’s safe to say volleyball would not be as successful or popular if it weren’t for Will and his passion."
RAG Charity Fundraiser of the Year
Emma Hollingsworth
"Emma has been shortlisted for this award in recognition of her outstanding fundraising efforts, having raised an impressive £540 for Sands Stillbirth and Neonatal Charity by taking on the courageous challenge of skydiving. This is a cause that holds deep personal significance for Emma, and her determination to support the charity reflects her heartfelt commitment to making a meaningful difference. Through this fundraising, Emma has shown a desire to help those who have experienced, or may one day experience, the devastating impact of stillbirth or neonatal loss."
Student Rep of the Year
Margaret Ampomah (BSc Mental Health Nursing, Uxbridge)
"Margaret has been a resolute and relentless advocate for nursing students, working consistently to improve and elevate their experience. They have raised key student concerns and pushed for positive change through championing improvements to placement, communication, and student support. By engaging with course leads, senior leadership, and the wider student body, Margaret has strengthened relationships and ensured student voices are heard. Seen as a leader by their peers, Margaret’s tenacity, commitment, and drive have made a lasting impact on the nursing student experience."
Academic Staff Partner of the Year
Megan Robson (Sports Therapy)
"Megan has been a driving force behind improving the sports therapy experience at BNU, working in close partnership with the Students’ Union and Student Activities team to ensure the welfare of student athletes is a top priority. From leading concussion testing weeks and organising regular injury clinics, to coordinating taping and therapy sessions for major events like Varsity, Megan has gone above and beyond. Her efforts not only support students’ physical wellbeing but also help sports therapy students gain vital clinical experience. Responsive, collaborative, and caring, Megan has set an incredible standard for partnership in this area."
Society Committee Member of the Year
Jess Leach (Tabletop and Gaming, Baking)
"Jess has been a highly influential committee member for both Bucks Tabletop and Gaming (BTAG) and Baking Society. As Treasurer, they led the planning of BTAG’s most successful 24-hour Game-a-thon to date, and ensured society funding was used in line with members needs and interests. As Chair of the newly formed Baking Society, they successfully pushed for accreditation and helped raise significant funds for charity, drawing praise for their baking. Balancing their master’s studies, Jess has shown exceptional dedication through their commitment and leadership."
Ruth Gunstone Volunteer of the Year
Lauren Milne
"Lauren has shown outstanding commitment to volunteering since her first year, consistently getting involved in a wide range of opportunities—from green initiatives to Students’ Union projects. She is always eager to support charitable causes, frequently seen lending a hand and encouraging others to do the same. Lauren actively supports the Volunteer Ambassadors, promotes the benefits of volunteering to her peers, and regularly gives back to the community. Her dedication is inspiring, and she is well on her way to achieving the diamond volunteering award."
Media Contributor of the Year
Kristen Clarke
"Kristen has consistently provided the Students’ Union with high-quality photos and videos throughout the academic year, helping to capture and document a wide range of sports and events. Her work has been especially notable in her coverage of Bucks Women’s Football Club, where her contributions have stood out. Kristen’s reliability, technical skill, and consistent effort have made her a real asset to the Union, and her work has greatly supported the promotion and celebration of student activity this year."
Society of the Year
Comic Society
"A new society for this year, Comic hit the ground running, managing to get regular attendees every session. With an enthusiastic committee, the society quickly set its sights on accreditation, including running multiple fundraisers for RAG. They’ve also championed volunteering, through completing a litter pick and supporting One Can Trust. The society has shown real commitment to inclusivity, including holding a session at Uxbridge campus to engage more students and expand their reach."
Joseph Snode Commercial Services Student Staff Member of the Year
Theo Richens
"Theo has grown into an essential part of the Commercial Services team, known for his incredible work ethic and proactive attitude. From starting as a cup collector to becoming a reliable team member, he’s always the first to step up—often finishing tasks before they’re even assigned. Theo handles every challenge with dedication and a smile, and his confidence and customer service skills have flourished. His journey this year has been inspiring, and he truly deserves recognition for his growth and commitment."
Membership Services Student Staff Member of the Year
Caitlin Day
"Caitlin, part of the new cohort of Student Voice Officers, has been proactive in addressing concerns and raising awareness on key aspects of student life. She has campaigned on student safety both on and off campus and advocated for improvements to the counselling service, always striving to enhance the student experience. Caitlin has also been a friendly and approachable presence as a Freshers’ Helper, making her a valuable and committed asset to the student community"
Professional Service Employee Partner of the Year
The Estates Team
"Estates have been instrumental in supporting the Students’ Union across a wide range of events, from Freshers’ Fair and STRIVE to Elections and beyond. Their hard work behind the scenes ensures every setup runs smoothly, creating welcoming spaces for students to engage and thrive. Always willing to go the extra mile, the team is proactive, responsive, and focused on improving the student experience. Their dedication, flexibility, and positive attitude make a real difference across BNU."
Campaigner of the Year
Ben Gibbons
"Ben has worked tirelessly to bring his campaign vision to life. Partnering with local businesses, he launched Buckin’ Buzzin’—a campaign focused on supporting students through the rising cost of living while prioritising self-care by providing free haircuts on campus. His professional and enthusiastic approach resulted in an event that was both accessible and impactful. Buckin’ Buzzin’ resonated deeply with students by by offering financial relief and promoting mental well-being. Ben’s dedication to this cause is unwavering, and his passion truly stands out."
Student Leadership Award
Dee Whyte
"Dee has been a dedicated and passionate part of the Students’ Union throughout her time at university. She’s taken on multiple roles, from Bar Team Leader to Student Trustee, always leading by example and championing student voices. Dee’s involvement is driven by genuine care and a desire to create positive change. Whether supporting her bar team or advocating for students across multiple opportunities and platforms, Dee consistently represents others with compassion, insight, and integrity and is a truly valued volunteer and leader."
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 displayed an outstanding degree of commitment, initiative and positive impact over a minimum of three years, during their life at the University. This award is the pinnacle of our recognition of student or alumni contribution.
Ellie Lee
"This student has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the Students' Union, embodying everything it means to be an engaged, passionate, and impactful member of the community. From their first year, they jumped into Union life—joining multiple societies, sitting on Union Council, and engaging in training and development. Their leadership journey evolved year-on-year: they became a course rep, School Officer, Student Voice Officer, society committee member, student trustee, and even ran in elections. As a two-time Union Awards nominee, they've been a consistent presence in the Union’s most important initiatives—from RAG, dance, psychology and tabletop, to heading up Fresher Helpers and representing BNU at NUS. Their growth in confidence and influence has left a lasting impact on both the Union and the wider student body."
Honorary Life Membership
Honorary Life Membership will be bestowed to those individuals who have dedicated a minimum of five years 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 fill the necessary requirements. Recipients need not have studied at Buckinghamshire New University
Dan Dean
"This year’s Honorary Life Member has been a constant, dedicated force at BNU for well over 15 years. From the early days of prefab buildings and a very different Union landscape, Dan Dean has played a vital role in the Union’s journey toward professionalisation and student impact. Known for his can-do attitude, reliability, and unwavering support, Dan has been instrumental in the evolution of our commercial operations—ensuring they enhance, rather than compete with, the broader co-curricular experience.
Whether supporting students through bar operations, catering, or in his more recent university role, Dan has consistently championed student needs with energy and care. His contributions are woven into the fabric of our Union’s success, and it’s only fitting that we recognise his enduring legacy with Honorary Life Membership."
Amy Pile
"Amy Pile is a truly inspiring student leader whose legacy is rooted in widening access to the Union’s opportunities for all. Throughout her time at BNU, Amy has championed underrepresented voices—students with disabilities, those on satellite campuses, parents, carers, mature students, and above all, nursing students. Balancing a demanding nursing degree and parenting responsibilities, Amy has taken on roles including Student Rep, Society Chair and Secretary, Head Fresher Helper, NUS Delegate, Trustee, and ultimately Vice President Education and Welfare, and President. Amy’s dedication earned her national recognition at the 2023 Student Nursing Times Awards, and her unwavering commitment to doing what’s right has guided her leadership throughout. She has squeezed every drop of value from her university experience—and ensured many others could do the same."
Congratulations once again to all of this year's winners and to all who attended the event!