University of Northampton Students’ Union announces first international President

Xihui, known as Haviour, completed both her Financial Analysis bachelor and master degrees with Northampton Business School. She was recently runner-up in the International Student of the Year Award, ran by the UK Council for International Student Affairs and National Union of Students, for her ongoing work in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for International students at the University of Northampton.

An active and engaging student, Haviour has been involved with the SU since she joined the University in 2010. She co-founded the Global Students Society, the Union’s single largest society with a committee that consists of over 15 nationalities with over 150 members, and also the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), and has organised countless educational, social and cultural events for hundreds of students.

Haviour said of her election win: “I wanted to take a moment to extend my most sincere appreciation and thanks for electing me to be your new President of the Students’ Union 2013-2014. I am honoured to achieve a landslide victory, be the first woman and the first international student as a University of Northampton Students’ Union President.”

Haviour continued: “I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed in one way or another towards my success at the polls. It is indeed a collective victory for the Students’ Union and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead our Union during the next year. Throughout my term as President I will endeavour to do everything in my power to ensure that you have a Students’ Union that you can be proud of!”

Ben Wesson, Vice President Engagement & Participation said: “We’re delighted to have seen so many International Students running in this year’s elections, with a candidate running for each and every Sabbatical Officer position. Haviour has involved herself in so many different facets to the University and Students’ Union, co-founding the Global Students’ Society, the Union’s largest Society and regularly contributing to Union Committee meetings. I have no doubt that she will make a fantastic Students’ Union President and ensure students get the experience they want.”

The election attracted the largest ever voter turnout in the Students’ Union’s history; 1327 students voted online and at voting terminals across both campuses. Haviour amassed a total of 599 votes.