ncl+ Extra-curricular Activity Awards programme 2013

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY AWARDS

Welcome to the 2013 ncl+ Extra-curricular Activity Awards ceremony!

Spotlighting the achievements of Newcastle University students in their extra-curricular and society activities

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Sponsored by:

BUFFET MENU CanapĂŠs and Fizz Mains Northumbrian Beef braised in Local Ale topped with Short Crust Pastry Lid Roast Butternut Squash and Sun-blushed Tomato Lasagne (v) Green Thai Chicken with Chilli, Lemongrass and Coriander Accompaniments Garlic & Rosemary Roast Potatoes (v) Scented Rice (v) Mixed Leaf Salad with Rocket and Red Onion (v) Chainbridge Honey and Sesame Glazed Root Vegetables (v) Dessert Lemon and Poppy Seed Tart with Blueberry Coulis (v) Vegetarian

Programme 6.45pm 7.30pm 8.30pm 9.45pm

Canapé reception Hot fork buffet Presentation of awards Ceremony ends

Compered by: Sam Steventon, Newcastle University Biology graduate and ncl+ ‘Society Officer of the Year’ award winner 2012 Music: Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra Photography: Newcastle University Photographic Society Filming: Raquel Gómez Frías, Student Communications Team member

Photography and filming will be taking place during the event. This may be used in future publicity materials for the ncl+ Extra-curricular Activity Awards. If you do not wish to be included, please alert a member of staff.

MOST IMPROVED SOCIETY OF THE YEAR Presented by: Ally Robson (Management Consultant, Accenture)

The shortlist: Art Society The society provides an up to date hub for news and events within Newcastle University’s art community. They have organised unusual events ranging from educational Art Walks, to funky jazz nights.

Through providing a weekly newsletter highlighting the most exciting happenings in the North East’s art scene, the society has become an active, cultural and lively presence on campus.

Chess Society Chess Society offers bi-weekly classes and drop-in sessions for members to play and have fun. This year, they have joined the Northumbria league and have competed in the British Universities Chess Association Tournament. Charity events have included a live human chess board at the Monument, where local school children acted as the pieces and a chess-boxing event.

Chinese Student Scholars Association

Part of a national initiative supported by the Chinese government, the CSSA has held over 10 public events in Newcastle to foster understanding and integration of Chinese students into the wider community. The events have included a food festival, city tours, a North East Debate Competition, ‘Five Universities Chinese New Year Gala’, badminton and singing competitions.

Marrow Society The aim of this new society is to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust and to sign people up to the bone marrow register. They launched the ‘Match4Martin’ campaign with The Courier and have raised over £6,000 through two long-distance cycle events, involving over 130 students.

They have achieved over 500 signups for the register so far.

Medsin Society Medsin is a society for students with a common interest in global health, impacting its members, the Medical School, the wider student population and the general public.

Members have volunteered with homeless charities, including organising a sleep-out event on campus; delivered peer-led sex education sessions in schools; taught CPR to primary school children and hosted a ‘Reclaiming Our NHS’ conference.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION Presented by: Dr Jennifer Hazelton (Theme Administrator, Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability)

The shortlist: Annisa Sutyarjoko (Year 1 MRes Ageing & Health) Annisa has been very active in several of SCAN’s environmental projects, including the Student Eats Allotment project, where she volunteers two or three times every week, developing planting schedules and preparing poly tunnels. Her self-motivation and enthusiasm have also seen her become involved in the Rupert’s Wood project and the Red Squirrel training with the Wildlife Trust.

Catherine Bundy (Stage 2 Environmental Science) Catherine has devoted herself to multiple projects, working with SCAN, the Sustainability Team and the Conservation Society. One major contribution has been to the Windsor Terrace project, by increasing the biodiversity of the land and engaging other students in conservation work. She has also worked with the Sustainability Team and Northumbria University students to plan Climate Week and Fair Trade Fortnight.

Matthew Hughes (Stage 3 Economics & Business Management) Matthew led a team which introduced a new method of composting to a subsistence farming cooperative in Rwanda. His tutorial teaches them how and why thermal composting is beneficial. The results have helped 50 Rwandan farmers and 116 children, to have better quality food and more crops to sell at market. This saves 30% of their income, which can be spent on schooling and HIV medicines.

The Newcastle Food Co-op Newcastle Food Co-op is the first of its kind in the city; it’s a not-for-profit, volunteer run cooperative that engages students, staff and members of the community to purchase cheap ethical food. The Co-op has contributed to the University’s ‘green’ status and encourages others to purchase good quality, ethicallysourced produce at a low price, whilst increasing awareness of its affordability.

Zoology Group This group of final year Zoology students carried out a scientific research expedition to St Thomas (US Virgin Islands) to record the impact of tourism on green iguana, and presented the results at a University public lecture to around 400 guests. They’re currently planning a second expedition to Madagascar to conduct abundant surveys of endangered lemur and tortoise species, with partial funding from Newcastle University.

CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT DEVELOPMENT Presented by: Colin Blackburn (Director, Centre for Physical Recreation & Sport, Newcastle University)

The shortlist: Chris Griffiths (Stage 3 English Language) Chris is the President of the Rugby League club, and first team captain. He’s successfully gained sponsorship from Accenture and introduced new, paid coaches to the club, encouraging a higher standard of performance. Chris also introduced a Freshers’ Mentor scheme, where older members of the club are paired up with newcomers to offer support and guidance throughout the year.

Hamish Adams-Cairns (Stage 3 English Literature) Hamish works tirelessly on behalf of the Rwandan Cricket Stadium Foundation, who’re aiming to build the first cricket stadium in Rwanda. He’s helped finalise agreements with the Rwandan government about purchasing the land, and coached cricket in over 10 Rwandan schools and universities. Fundraising includes organising a charity event at Lords cricket stadium, completing a 100km Night Rider bike ride and running the London Marathon.

Kirstin Endelman & Laura Smith (Year 1 MEd International Development & Education) Laura and Kirstin are involved in outreach programmes in the local community on a weekly basis; leading an aerobic exercise class as part of the ‘Vulnerable Women’s Exercise Club’, and setting up a ‘Healthy Breakfast Club’ at a local primary school where they lead a dance lesson with 24 children and ensure the pupils receive a healthy breakfast.

Sam Bhatt (Year 2 PhD Chemistry) Sam has been involved in Newcastle University Thai boxing club for five years, as President, coach and competitor, and has been instrumental in adding boxing and mixed martial arts to the training sessions. He’s also helped the coach to start a second club at Northumbria University and worked with local community clubs, encouraging the expansion of the sport within the North East.

Toby Hoskins (Stage 2 Medicine) As President of the Men’s Lacrosse team, Toby has persuaded American national players to come to Newcastle to coach the players alongside England national team coaches. High quality training sessions have kept 57 students engaged in the sport, when only 15 can play in each weekly match. He’s also organised coaching sessions in local schools to raise the profile of lacrosse in the North East.

SOCIETY OFFICER OF THE YEAR Presented by: Charlotte Ball (Annual Fund Manager, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Newcastle University)

The shortlist: Ben Parkin (Stage 3 Media, Communication & Cultural Studies) Ben is the founder and co-President of the Marrow Society. He has worked tirelessly to promote Marrow throughout the University and wider community. This is reflected in the society’s achievements, such as the ‘Match4Martin’ campaign which was featured in The Journal, Evening Chronicle and on BBC radio. High numbers of events allow members to volunteer more frequently and to a higher standard.

James Dodd (Stage 3 Classical Studies) James has been President of the Fellwalking Society for two consecutive years. He has been responsible for organising weekly trips of up to 50 people to areas around the UK, and the safety of the entire society. His enthusiasm and level of mountain experience have enabled members to experience the thrill of walking in remote areas of the UK safely.

Katrina Abernethy (Stage 4 Medicine) Katrina has been co-President of Medsin since early 2012. Since then, Medsin Newcastle has expanded dramatically; Katrina has brought together a wide variety of projects and campaigns, including Homed, Sexpression and Teddy Bear Hospital. This involved a large-scale risk assessment. Her determination and force of will is matched with a smile and enthusiasm that encourages others to get involved.

Peff Soulsby (Stage 2 Linguistics) Through commitment and dedication as current Trans Rep for the LGBT Society, Peff has had a positive impact on both trans* and cis students by educating others about an area still considered taboo. Welfare support activities include working with the University to change the S3P system and holding the first International Transgender Day of Remembrance at Newcastle University.

Peter Tolson (Stage 3 Law) Peter is the President of The Eldon Society. He has improved the career awareness of the members, whilst raising the reputation of the society and the Law School with graduate employers and the wider community. He has increased the number of law and non-law activities taking place and has recently helped create a new mentoring scheme that will commence next year.

ARTS & CULTURE Presented by: Prof Eric Cross (Dean, Cultural Affairs, Newcastle University)

The shortlist: Daniel Tyson & Mark Reed (Stage 2 Contemporary & Popular Music) Working with local and international artists, as well as RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), Daniel and Mark have sourced commissions to produce film scores for portfolios and exhibitions. Working on a voluntary basis, they have assisted other artists to enhance their work, as well as creating a base for their future careers as film music composers.

David Mabbott (Year 1 MA Film Theory & Practice) Since its inception five years ago, David has been involved in the ICMuS Summer Music Festival (International Centre for Music Studies), which provides a platform for classical performers. He successfully led a team to provide an outreach programme to care homes and schools, bringing performers closer to those in the wider community who rarely have the chance to experience live music.

Edward Robinson (Stage 3 Fine Art) Edward has helped create vital links between the local art community and Fine Art students at Newcastle University, raising the profile of NU Fine Art. He‘s instigated projects such as ‘Pride Space’ and collaborated with the Lime Street Gallery and Newbridge Art Space, which has helped students gain financial backing by showcasing their work in a professional light.

Felicity Powell (Stage 3 English Literature) Felicity has engaged with multiple local cultural organisations, including the Writers Café and Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts, recently acting as a poetry competition judge. Felicity goes into local primary schools and delivers creative writing workshops that develop children’s confidence in writing and performing. She also contributes to the North East’s thriving cultural reputation through her role as Literature Editor for online magazine Alliterati.

Hollie Johnson (Stage 3 Mathematics) Hollie has been involved in a range of circus performances and community projects, assisting and mentoring young people into the arts. She was an assistant director and performer in the Olympic Torch relay event at Newcastle Quayside and has been heavily involved in the ‘Five Ring Circus’ project, a network of circuses for young people across the North East.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT Presented by: Angie McLean (Founder and Managing Director of Fast Forward Now and Baggers Originals)

The shortlist: Alex Hawke (Stage 2 Information Systems) Alex runs a number of internet based businesses, as part of his company SHQ Ltd. These include; 280Daily, an online journal with over 12,000 users and DoesWhat, which interviews start-up founders and CEOs, and currently employs three Newcastle University Business students. He also provides development and consultancy services, which have included building a website for Peugeot Student Road Safety Awards.

Catalina Largacha & Joseph Lodge (Year 1 MSc Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship) The pair founded Conva: a business focused on improving audience engagement in presentations, through slide design, workshops and coaching.

Cata, a freelance designer, has engaged with potential clients, developed the branding and conducted the slide enhancement. Joe is taking advantage of his musical background by combining composition and performance with presentation and delivery, whilst also managing the finances and website development.

Edward Giles (Stage 2 Agri-Business Management) Edward has set up a business making individually hand-crafted wild bird nesting boxes and feeders to support his breeding programme for a variety of vulnerable birds. Through his hard work and passion for wildlife, Edward now sells his products online, through farm shops and at craft fairs across Shropshire, promoting nature and environmental welfare to others.

James O’Donovan (Stage 4 Medicine) James has set up and run numerous businesses including ‘Higher Standards’, a non-profit fair trade organisation; ‘USS Medical Ltd’, a widening access to medicine scheme; ‘Diapet’, a blood glucose monitor for children and ‘The Golden Games Organisation Ltd’, a sporting festival aimed to increase mobility of older people. ‘Higher Standards’ has helped to fund building a children’s hospital in Uganda, and school tuition for over 100 children.

James Pringle (Stage 3 Agri-Business Management) After realising there wasn’t an app that promoted grassroots comedy, James singlehandedly set up his business ‘Laugh Louder Ltd’ as a smartphone application that allows users to find and book tickets for live comedy nationwide. James successfully secured £10,000 seed capital to begin development and launched the app in July 2012, which he believes has the potential to evolve and grow considerably.

BEST SOCIETY OF THE YEAR Presented by: Jasmine Walker (Activities Officer, Newcastle University Students’ Union)

The shortlist: AIESEC AIESEC provides young people with life changing global exchange experiences whilst promoting cultural awareness and diversity through youth leadership development programmes. This year, the society has sent 15 students on short-term internships to countries including Russia, India, Japan and Taiwan. In 2012, they won the Excellence award for Best Incoming Exchange Team, and were also nominated for the Best Outgoing Exchange Team.

Islamic Society The largest of the student societies, the Islamic Society seeks to create a community for Muslim students in Newcastle, whilst engaging with the wider student community.

Their ‘Discover Islam’ week promoted an understanding of Islam as a religion and as a culture. They have also been heavily involved in the Black and White City project and have raised a significant amount of money for charity.

Malaysian Society The society raises awareness of Malaysian culture within the University and local communities by promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

They hosted a series of welcome events to help members adapt to the local community and get to know people with a common interest. The society piloted a flagship cultural event ‘North East Malaysian Night’, collaborating with Malaysian societies at Northumbria and Durham Universities.

Modern Languages Society This society is a point of contact for members of the international community. Members offer advice, particularly regarding the integration of home and international students. They have also developed strong links with other societies such as ERASMUS and with the School of Modern Languages. They have been exemplary in their involvement in NUSU activities, offering 10 language taster sessions for non-members.

Pole Dancing Society The Pole Dancing Society has increased opportunities for their members by holding a range of master classes with international professionals, and has assisted members with PDC grading and instructor qualifications. They organised a Guinness World Record attempt, raising awareness of artistic gymnastics and ÂŁ1,500 for charity.

They have also attended more national events, including Pole Jams, studio events and dance competitions.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT Presented by: Dr Alison Oldam (Head of Student Wellbeing Service, Student & Academic Services, Newcastle University)

The shortlist: Duong Tran (Stage 3 Applied Biology) Duong is the International Officer on the SCAN committee, a student mentor and student ambassador.

She has received two awards through her volunteer work for RNIB. This summer, she was involved in a project building biogas plants in Cairo’s rural community, resulting in the locals being able to use the by-product as fertiliser, which saves money and reduces environmental impact.

Olubusola Eshiet (Year 4 PhD Applied Linguistics) Obubusola has trained 40 Primary One teachers in Nigeria in the use of a new synthetic phonics method for teaching beginners how to read. Old methods involved memorising letters and words, which didn’t engage the students. This new method has enhanced the reading and writing attainment of the pupils, and with time, has the capacity to improve literacy rates in Nigeria.

Sarah Mackie (Year 1 LLM Environmental Law) Sarah is the overall leader of a Girlguiding UK unit for local girls aged 14-18. She has grown the unit from 13 to 20 girls, with a waiting list, making hers the biggest unit in the region.

Her innovative activities and weekly sessions engage a difficult to reach age group and enables them to gain practical life skills, raise aspirations and develop confidence.

Sidney Parker (Stage 4 Medicine) Sidney has raised a considerable amount of money for charities including ‘Go Help’ and ‘Wish upon a Star’. He organised a mammoth 193 mile coast to coast walk and is currently setting up a non-profit organisation ‘Medics2Mongolia’, which stemmed from his 10,000 mile fundraising drive in an ambulance to Mongolia, before undertaking voluntary medical work in the country.

Street Law Ambassadors

This group has successfully developed and delivered interactive street law sessions to children and young people in Newcastle to increase awareness of legal rights and to provide positive role models. The success can be measured through the substantial growth of the project, its impact on diverse age, socioeconomic and ethnic groups, and the positive feedback and outcomes received.

ACADEMIC & PEER REPRESENTATION Presented by: Colin Bryson (Director, Combined Studies Centre, Newcastle University)

The shortlist: Caroline Shorthouse & Martina Dietrich (Stage 3 English Literature) As the Students With Disabilities Officers, Martina and Caroline organised the first Disability Awareness Week at Newcastle University. This included a ‘Not all disabilities are visible’ campaign, inspirational speakers such as Paralympian Stephen Miller and the inaugural awareness-raising Wheeliators event. They constantly seek student feedback through forums, which is utilised to implement relevant and requested change.

Dominika Kwasnicka (Year 2 PhD Health Psychology) For two years, Dominika’s represented postgraduate students within the University’s Institute of Health and Society. She ensures that the University’s learning and teaching decisions have a postgraduate focus, whilst campaigning and advocating on behalf of students, and supporting them at an individual level. She is also a member of the postgraduate research subcommittee of UTLSEC, postgraduate students’ group coordinator and medical faculty representative.

Harriet Slack (Stage 4 Mechanical & Systems Engineering) Harriet has improved the wider course representation system by introducing and developing the selection criteria and application system to engage more students to apply to be a course representative. From this, Harriet has suggested improvements for course representative training and initiated a shadowing scheme to allow senior University staff and course reps to gain an insight into each other’s roles.

Jenhai Alman (Stage 3 Psychology) As a school representative for the School of Psychology, Jenhai has pioneered a number of new initiatives, including a course representative exchange with Northumbria University to share best practice, and developing and delivering one-off training sessions for course representatives.

Through her commitment, Jenhai has been at the forefront of Student Representation in the School of Psychology and University as a whole.

Katherine Brown (Year 1 MA European History) Katherine sits on a number of groups and committees, ensuring that the student voice is always present. From attending University meetings, to delivering training sessions for course reps on a national basis to share good practice, Katherine has been at the forefront of pushing student representation forward. She has also written and delivered a session for the NUS National Course Rep conference.

CONGRATULATIONS!

We would like to thank all of the judges, presenters, and award sponsor, Accenture for their contribution to this year’s ncl+ Extra-curricular Activity Awards.

A big well done to all of the shortlisted students too; you are involved in some fantastic extra-curricular activities!

Need extra support for your project?

Apply to the ncl+ Alumni Association Student Initiative Fund for funding and access to expertise for one-off, student-led extra-curricular activities.

Visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/students/nclplus/funding

Learn more about ncl+ at: www.ncl.ac.uk/students/nclplus www.facebook.com/nclplus