Our student members contribute incredible amounts of time to support our whole student community, whether that’s through volunteering as a student representative to share course feedback with your University, leading a sports club or a society, creating impactful campaigns to make change happen on our campuses, leading the development of union decision-making, and supporting the work of sabbatical officers.

THANK YOU to every volunteer who makes our students’ union what it is. Your impact on the student experience is immense and we are so proud to work with you to make your ideas a reality.

An amazing number of nominations

You nominated 262 individuals, clubs, teachers, projects, events, and campaigns that supported your student experience this year. The nominations made for a difficult job selecting the shortlist and winners due to the amazing array of efforts throughout the year.

The Education Excellence Award

This year we introduced a new award: Education Excellence. The award is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the role of university staff in building an amazing student experience. We know that for you, academic staff are some of the people you see most regularly throughout your degree and their enthusiasm and support are key in helping you to develop deep understand and love for your studies.

Awards Shortlist

Falmouth Rep of the Year

This award recognises a Falmouth course rep/s or department rep/s who has contributed to academic improvements by working in partnership with the University and SU.

Daniel Dearling, School of Architecture, Design, and Interiors department rep and first year Architecture course rep

Daniel is an exceptional department rep for SADI. He consistently communicates with SU staff and representatives to make sure students’ voices are heard. His dedication to supporting and representing his course peers makes him stand out as a student leader.

Ari Jack, Academy of Music and Theatre Arts department rep and second year Theatre and Performance course rep

Ari consistently goes above and beyond to find creative solutions for students. From creating social media content to educate students on what course reps do to working with staff at the universities to improve information about the resources and facilities available to students. Their commitment and enthusiasm for improving student life is evident in their impact and the relationships they have built this year.

George Bull, Institute of Photography, MA Photography online course rep

George is rep for the MA Photography online cohort.  He has worked hard to ensure that he collects and presents the cohort's view to the course team. Moreover he has worked tirelessly to build and maintain a cohesive cohort group, and thereby built lifelong friendships of supportive photocreatives.

Exeter Rep of the Year

This award recognises an Exeter course rep/s, EDI rep/s or subject chair who has contributed to academic improvements by working in partnership with the University and SU.

Rada Pandeva, Centre for Geography and Environmental Science fourth year course rep and EDI rep

Rada is a brilliant rep. She continually advocates for her cohort and engages with the SU on a productive and meaningful level. She represents the views of herself and her peers in 'Curriculum for Change' focus groups and graduation committee. She is organised and attentive. A real rep role model. Rada is an EDI rep and has demonstrated immense dedication to her fellow students by voicing their needs by utilising all platforms possible including the Disabled Students Commitment working group and regular reps meetings. She is passionate, hard working, and always has a smile on her face.

Grace Bishopp, BA Georgraphy third year course rep

Grace has worked so hard in representing student voice following the decision to host graduation at Penryn Campus and has pushed for university transparency, engaging positively with the university at the highest level. Grace listens to and empowers the student voice every day and is an amazing rep for 3rd years. Giving her time to student representation for the past three years, Grace has shown commitment to her position and is known by her peers for being knowledgeable and supportive.

Louis Sanderson, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) fourth year course rep

Well-known by the University of Exeter’s medical school faculty, Louis is unwavering in his role as course rep. He has demonstrated leadership and a genuine commitment to making a difference for medical students in Truro. Louis truly cares about making change and makes sure that the student voice is heard, no matter the response from the uni.

Megan Santos Lowes, Business and Environment subject co-chair

Megan has been a very proactive co-Subject Chair, taking time to remedy serious issues and supporting students to get the best out of their experience. She has been very involved in helping ‘with Year Abroad’ students get the support and attention they need down here at the Penryn campus. Megan has taken on the role of student chair so well after being a course rep last year, everyone on our course feels well listened to and we know that going to Megan with any issues or feedback means it will actually be sorted, she's done an amazing job as EDI rep as well!

Education Excellence Award

The Education Excellence award is your chance to celebrate the outstanding staff who go above and beyond and make a real difference in student life.

Jennifer Young, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Design, Falmouth University

For her unwavering dedication and commitment to working with students. Her continuous support, guidance, and genuine care has positively impacted students. Jennifer was nominated for her ability to create an environment where students feel valued, empowered, and inspired to be vocal and reach their full potential.

Kelly Moyes, Associate Professor of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter

Kelly is the most enthusiastic, welcoming, well-informed and supportive lecturer I have ever had. She goes above and beyond to make the university experience inclusive, and works tirelessly to provide events and opportunities for the entire CEC bioscience cohort. She is amazing, and we all love her!

Constantine Manolchev, Senior Lecturer and Programme Director of Sustainable Futures, University of Exeter

Through innovative 'Communities of Learning' workshops, Costa fostered collaboration within the cohort, enhancing our understanding. He also led collaboration between first- and second-year cohorts, harnessing skills. According to his nomination, his fascination, positivity, and humour make his workshops a pleasure to be in!

Fundraising Award

Open to any individual or group of students who has displayed excellence in fundraising.

Expedition Society

Russell and Owen along with other members of the Expedition committee raised over £1,500 and awareness for Man Down Cornwall Charity by completing a 24hr walk around the Penwith Peninsula. They are both extremely passionate about the event and the charity as a whole and the event was a huge success thanks to their efforts.

William Percival

Running over 300km around Cornwall during their first year of academic studies. William raised £4135 pounds to send life-saving medical aid to Ukraine. Outstanding achievement for a first year Politics and International Relations student complimenting their subject interest.

Camborne School of Mines Rugby

During Movember and Bottle match they raised over £10,000 by displaying some questionable moustaches and hair cuts. An incredible amount raised by one team and has all contributed to men’s physical and mental health charities.

Outstanding Committee Member Award

This award is for an outstanding committee member of a club or society who has demonstrated:

• Excellent club or society engagement and enthusiasm by inspiring others
• Motivated to improve the members experience

Lucy Avis

The highest number of members joined Dance this year because of Lucy always putting the society first with a welcoming and inclusive culture. Lucy organised a ball, two competitions, a showcase and a danceathon. A well-organised, supportive, enthusiastic, friendly and hard working club leader.

Daisy Dewey

Going above and beyond all year to make sure Tremough Follies runs smoothly, Daisy always makes sure that everyone in Follies is accounted for and having a good time. She ensures no one feels left behind by making resources for the benefit of follies’ many members. Daisy has choreographed numbers for the showcase and musically directed the Addams family. A kind loving girl and a huge part of Follies success this year - "the glue to holding the committee together".

Katya Rollason

When the society faced a uncertain future Katya stepped into the presidency role for Women in Business. A hard worker who attracted interesting guest speakers for the society.

Event of the Year

This award is for an innovative and engaging event or project run by a club, society or individual/group through our student project fund this year.

Holi

Another incredible year of Holi celebrations thanks to the hard work of Asian soc, bringing in people of different faith including people who just wanted to embrace and have fun with holi together which signifies unity and peace and working together towards making the world more colorful and beautiful. Teaming up with FXPlus for food offerings and an after party for all to join. "Being part of the last 3 Holi’s on campus it’s been incredible to see the growth of the society in terms of engagement but our network we have built to make Asian Society what it stands to be today", "It was one of the best celebration with my friends away from home!"

Christmas Concert

The Christmas Concert was a fabulous evening, showcasing the talent of five musical societies The Chorus, Penryn Campus Orchestra, Viva Voce, Jam First Big Band and The Wind Jammers. A full night of performances, it was a jam packed night, full of musical magic to get you in the mood to celebrate. The event welcomed both students and the local community, and raised over £500 in ticket and programme sales, as well as from our mini-market stall with handcrafted gifts.

Dance Showcase

An evening where six performing arts societies and 200 participants exhibited their work including Dance Society, Tap Society, Hip Hop, Ballroom & Latin, Vive Voce. With a sell out crowd raising funds for Surfers Against Sewage.

Society of the Year

This award is for an outstanding society who have gone above and beyond to provide an excellent experience to their members.

Asian Society

A society that has gone from strength to strength. The Asian Society has excelled in bringing students together through vibrant events like Diwali, Lunar New Year, Holi, Bollywood nights and Chat with Chai. With exciting collaborations and inclusive activities, they’ve created a welcoming space that celebrates culture, fosters unity and joy enhancing the student experience by creating a home away from home filled with festive spirit and warmth.

Tremough Follies

Running two incredible productions a year, one selling out in the space of 20 minutes, has got Follies into the shortlist for Society of the Year. The hard work and dedication shows what a fabulous community Follies creates: always welcoming, supportive and full of incredible talent. Can't wait for your next production!

Christian Union (CU)

The Christian Union has consistently demonstrated its commitment to creating an inclusive and engaging environment for students from all walks of life. Through their diverse range of activities and initiatives, they actively create a sense of community, support, and connection across the campus. "Even though I’m not a Christian they just seem to foster such an amazing community which I’ve never been able to experience before."

Sports Club of the Year

This award is for an outstanding sports club who have gone above and beyond to provide an excellent experience to their members.

Gig Rowing

An amazing fun and inclusive community through the society with weekly training, races and socials with the committee working hard to expand interclub relations with FMPGC and understanding of this historic Cornish sport. This has been so successful with 6 students going to the World Gig Rowing Championships!

Expedition

Pushing boundaries in delivering events, charity fundraisers, walks, residentials, camping and pub crawls.  An active and healthy environment for club members.  "has had a huge positive impact on my mental health while at university, it has encouraged me to be outdoors and improve my fitness, while making great friends"

Shinty

An inclusive and welcoming club with many LGBTQ+ and disabled members attending their activities. CSM Shinty have raised awareness of the Celtic derived sport across Cornwall hosting matches. Some players have represented England on an international level.

Fusion Cheerleading

Secured a big sponsorship deal early in the year as well as running incredible bake sales to enable them to attend national competition.  "Such a supportive and inclusive society that has really built up my confidence in so many ways both interpersonally and professionally".

Campaign of the Year

Open to an individual or group of students who have campaigned, increased awareness of a topic that has an impact on the student experience.

Exeter on Ecosia by Chloe Moriarty

Chloe has shown great enthusiasm and tenacity through her promotion of Ecosia as a search engine that will help offset an individual's carbon footprint by planting trees when they use the search engine. Running the campaign on social media and using Make a Change to gain support from the union and more students, has helped her to build interest and community around her cause.

Solace by African Caribbean Society

Emphasising the importance of representation for Black students in Cornwall, "Solace" created a supportive and inclusive publication. ACS advocated for diversity and a sense of belonging and empowerment for Black students.

Fal Ex for Palestine

This campaign gave students a platform to channel their views and start productive dialogue, providing educational teachouts during the encampments, and running screenings and lectures since. They stood up for their beliefs.

Inclusivity Award

This award is for any individual, group, campaign or project which has shown a commitment to inclusivity.

Asian Society

Through vibrant events like Diwali, Lunar New Year, Holi, and Chat with Chai, this group fostered inclusivity, welcoming all students to celebrate diverse cultures. With multiple collaborations, they inspired unity, raised awareness, and created a space where everyone could connect, and feel at home.

Shinty

In multiple nominations, Shinty was described as inclusive by welcoming LGBTQ+ and genderfluid members, supporting disabled students to get involved at a level that was right for them, being a social and supportive group, and offering mixed ability and mixed gender teams. They create a "supportive atmosphere without judgement or pressure".

Pole Society

The committee and members are actively inclusive in their practice, educating members and the wider student population about the history of pole dancing and the harm of fatphobia and body stereotypes. They offer modified warm ups for disabled attendees and supported Sexhibition with performances, workshops, education on queer love and sex education.

The Andy Hocking Award

The Andy Hocking Award is in memory of a Policeman who went above and beyond to create a sense of community for students in the local area. This award is for an individual who has volunteered their time to community projects. A nomination for this award should consider:

Alex Thornton

Alex is brilliant at bringing together students and community. His contributions at Ecological Citizenship have created greater opportunities for student engagement in the community. He volunteers at loveland, supports community assemblies, making spaces for students to feel welcome and involved.

Emily Bennett

While on placement at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Emily organised Christmas cards for the children in hospital over the Christmas period. In her own time she volunteers for Childline and the NSPCC, is a Theirworld Global Youth Ambassador, and encourages other students to volunteer their time outside of university.

Walter Hammond

As volunteer President of Penryn Produce, Walter delivers fresh vegetables from the Falmouth Food Co-Op (who work with local farmers) to students and supplies The SU's Soup Fridays. This benefits small local farms and provides healthy produce for students and fosters community through Penryn Produce and Soup Fridays. With over 60 students attending Soup Fridays weekly, Walter is organising a lot of veg and helping a lot of people meet their friends and have a healthy meal each week.

Dedication to the Students’ Union

This award celebrates students who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to SU activity during their time as a student. This could be as a Rep, Committee Member or simply as an engaged student working with others.

Ari Jack

Ari Jack always brings an amazing energy to everything they do, working hard to represent AMATA students and supporting all the course reps in their department. They even went so far as to write and film a video for The SU promoting course reps! They’re a great department rep and an asset to the SU.

Moraa Siekei

Moraa is an outstanding student who has a real commitment to the SU. She continually proactively engages with all the SU has to offer, she empowers her peers, supports student campaigns, and is a brilliant and inclusive forum chair encouraging healthy debate and ensuring that all attendees feel heard and comfortable within the space. Moraa has been a key leader in establishing and developing our new model of deliberative democracy. She embodies the values and ethos of the SU fully.

Leo Stinton

Leo is a dedicated department rep who has endeavoured to represent students on so many issues impacting the student experience, from accessibility to cost of living. He was also an asset in The SU SABB elections and encouraging students to vote, speaking in front of hundreds of illustration students!

The Daniel Palmer Award

All winners at The SU Awards are shortlisted for the Daniel Palmer Award. This award is in memory of a former student who was very involved with the Students’ Union who sadly passed away. We use this award to honour his memory by celebrating the outstanding contributions of our students.

The SU Awards takes place on Thursday 22 May 2025 at the Princess Pavilions in Falmouth. All shortlisted nominees are invited to attend, where the winners will be announced.