Celebratory evening combined Changemaker and Students’ Union awards

The Learning Hub at Waterside was turned into a glittering, Covid-safe soiree as two annual awards ceremonies became one.

The Student Awards 2021 combined the University of Northampton’s (UON) Changemaker Awards with the Students’ Union STAR (Student, Teaching, & Representation) Awards. Both showcase the best of UON, recognising and rewarding the work and achievements of staff and students.

Last week (Wednesday 23 June) staff and students from across UON and the Students’ Union created an Oscar-worthy celebratory evening. The full list of nominees this year are below, with the winners in bold*.

Wray Irwin, Wray Irwin, Director of Employability and Innovation at the University, said: “Firstly, I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who made last night’s celebrations such a success.

“It goes without saying that all of our staff and students are winners, especially for pulling together during the past 18 months. It’s evenings like last night’s that really bring home the breadth of what our people engage in at the University; it really does astonish me. Well done, to the wonderful winners and nominees.”

Susie Palmer-Trew, Chief Executive Officer at the Students’ Union, added:

“It was absolutely fantastic to be able to bring students, volunteers and staff together to celebrate their achievements in what has been an extraordinary year; and we hope this is the start of ongoing celebration and recognition of the accomplishments of our students. Well done to all who were nominated and our incredible winners.”

*President’s Award – Joanne Williams

The President’s Award was awarded to Joanne Wilson, who sadly passed away in May 2021, two months away from completing her degree in Early Childhood Studies. This posthumous award is made to recognise the impact Joanne had on her peers as well as her determination to continue studying throughout her battle with cancer.

Below are just two of the many award nominations Joanne received which illustrate, in her friends’ words, why she was chosen.

‘Joanne has been an inspiration to the whole of our class. I believe many of us would not have got through the last three years without Jo’s support, help and just being so caring and fun loving.’

‘While at university, Jo was someone who was so full of life and always had an open ear for you to talk. Jo was an amazing person.’

Vice Chancellor’s Awards

• Claire Clinker, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing
• Natasha Murphy, International Development student

‘Unsung hero’ Award

• UON Catering and Hotel Team
• Joe Drage, Creative Film, Television, and Digital Media Production student
• Security and Community Safety Team

Student Awards

Student Changemaker of the Year

• Lorraine Gorimani, Advertising and Digital Marketing
• Natasha Murphy, International Development
• 2020-2021 PGCE Cohort

Student Advocate of the Year

• Emily Fletcher, Computing
• Zoe Clair, Sociology
• Santhosh Srithar, Accounting and Finance

Student Group of the Year

• History Society
• Netball
• Student Action for Refugees (STAR)

Staff Awards

Research Impact

• Events, Tourism and Hospitality Team
• Othman Aylafei, DBA student
• Alex Lehner, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition

Staff Changemaker of the Year

• Claire Clinker, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing
• Jordan Russell, Communications and Events Officer
• Martin Steers, NLive Radio Station Manager

UON Department or Team of the Year Award

• Nursing Team
• Learning Development Team
• Estate and Campus Services

Teaching Impact Award

• Fiona Burbeary, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
• Dr Charlotte Dann, Senior Lecturer in Psychology
• Chrissie Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing

Lecturer of the Year Award

• Gemma Boaden, Senior Lecturer in Acting and Drama
• Mark Johnson, Senior Lecturer in Computing
• Ebenezer Laryea, Senior Lecturer in Law