Let's look at who's up for an award ⭐️
The 2025 BSU Union Awards are quickly approaching on 1st May, here are your nominees...
Inspirational and Motivational Teaching Award
Dr. Yousif Shamsaldeen
Yousif Shamsaldeen creates an environment where students feel both supported and inspired. They explain concepts with patience, ensuring that each student not only understands the material but also gains confidence in their abilities. Their dedication and care for students have transformed many students’ academic experiences.
Lis Bundock
Lis ensures every student feels included and engaged. Their approachable nature creates a safe space for fostering personal growth and encourages critical thinking. Their ongoing support has made a lasting impact on many students’ journeys.
Alex Fitch
Alex Fitch is an inspiring and dedicated lecturer in the School of Art and Media who has a genuine interest in what they teach. They work hard to share this with the students and ensure they are engaged in every seminar and lecture.
Outstanding Support Award
Dan Bennett
Dan Bennett always brings positive energy and allows students to feel comfortable and included. Dan truly cares about every student by not only offering academic support but also looking out for their wellbeing.
Cause for Concern Team
The Cause for Concern Team plays a vital role in supporting students, ensuring that those facing academic or personal challenges receive the guidance they need. Their commitment to student wellbeing goes beyond expectations, providing proactive support, timely interventions, and a compassionate approach to every case. They ensure that no student is left behind.
Sarah Lewis-Tulett
Sarah is committed to addressing challenges students face, advocating for fair solutions and providing individual support to each student’s needs. Their open and compassionate approach make difficult situations easier to navigate, ensuring students feel heard and supported.
Excellence in Collaboration and Partnership with Students’ Award
Nadia Noble
Nadia has been instrumental in supporting students, particularly through the Black Leadership Programme, where they actively promoted and facilitated successful sessions led by external guest speakers. Nadia’s dedication goes beyond expectations as they continue to challenge barriers, drive meaningful change, and ensure students have the support they need to thrive. They approach every initiative with integrity and purpose.
Clare Dawson
Clare worked with the BSU to host a Changemakers event, providing students from diverse backgrounds and courses with the opportunity to collaborate and develop solutions to challenges in Brighton. This initiative showcased their dedication to fostering inclusivity and supporting student-driven change.
The Library Team
The Library Team has demonstrated outstanding collaboration with students. They have worked closely with the BSU Book Club to support its activities and partnered with students to deliver impactful projects for Black History Month and LGBTQ+ History Month. Additionally, they extended the opening hours of St Peter's House Library, ensuring greater accessibility. During assessment periods, they supported BSU’s library snack campaign.
High Quality Assessment and Feedback Award
Bhavik Patel
Bhavik designs innovative assessments that mirror real-word expectations and provides students with valuable experience. They also consistently provide clear and detailed feedback to help students improve.
Dr. Thomas Carter
Thomas consistently goes above and beyond to support students by offering details, structured feedback on assignments. Their guidance has been instrumental in helping students improve their academic performance and boosting their motivation.
Louise Fitzgerald
Louise provides invaluable support to students throughout their time at university, offering valuable and clear guidance on academic matters. Their constructive feedback enables students to identify areas for improvement and develop confidence in their subject area.
Course Reps
Zainab Quraishi - School of Applied Sciences
Zainab has been an exceptional Course Rep, advocating for students by resolving issues like placement concerns, exam feedback, and communication with staff. Their dedication and leadership have significantly improved the student experience.
Elyas Toameh - School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering
Elyas has been a supportive and motivating presence, helping students overcome academic challenges while also looking out for their well-being. Their commitment to advocating for others highlights their leadership skills.
Ben Sheppard - School of Art and Media
Ben has consistently gone above and beyond as a Course Rep, ensuring students’ voices are heard, addressing faculty concerns, and encouraging a sense of community through student activities and events.
Naomi Spence - School of Business and Law
Naomi has been an outstanding Course Rep, addressing student concerns, improving academic experiences, and securing valuable opportunities and resources. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to student wellbeing have been invaluable.
Lily Tiller - School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences
Lily has been an impressive Course Rep for their course, creating a student newsletter, organising events, and designing course merchandise to foster a strong community. Their dedication, positivity, and commitment to supporting their peers makes Lily a deserving nominee.
Rosie Birch - School of Humanities and Social Science
Rosie is an incredibly dedicated individual who consistently goes above and beyond expectations. They regularly attend SESECs and other meetings, demonstrating their commitment and reliability. Rosie’s positive attitude makes them a pleasure to work with, and their enthusiasm is truly inspiring.
Society of the Year
Women in Business
The Women in Business Society has been highly active, hosting regular events and educational workshops that support both business students and the wider university community. Their inclusive approach has encouraged a welcoming and engaging environment for all members.
Brighton Real Ale Society
This society has achieved incredible milestones since its inception last year, including hosting a charity pub quiz, brewing its own beer, and securing real ale at The Venue. It has firmly established itself as a key player in the Sussex ale community, making it truly deserving of recognition.
Brighton and Sussex Tamil Society
This Society has shown exceptional dedication this year, hosting a wide variety of events, and weekly activities. They are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging community for their members.
Society Event of the Year
Pharm Soc - Pharmacy Ball
The Pharmacy Society has had an outstanding year, highlighted by their incredible Pharmacy Ball, featuring a fantastic DJ, photo booth, and a theme that created a memorable experience.
Women in Business - Wellness Retreat
The Wellness Treat was a fantastic event held by the Women in Business Society. It focused on both mental and physical wellbeing, highlighting the society’s commitment to supporting its members. The event provided a restful break after the busy exam season.
Drama Soc - Winter Play
The Winter play, organised by the Drama Society, was an impressive event that demonstrated creativity and inclusivity. It showcased the incredible talent within the society, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.
New Society of the Year
Students for Humanity
After starting this society earlier this academic year, Students for Humanity have been a really impressive society, from raising money to support flood relief efforts in Kenya, to winter warmth donation drives and murder mystery nights. Students for Humanity have been really involved and gone above and beyond to support people around the world and pushed worthy causes and have shed alight a lot of inequalities going on around the world.
J-Fashion Society
This society have created a fantastic and inclusive welcoming space, where students can connect, socialise, and express themselves. With creative events, they create a strong sense of community which has left a lasting impact on its members.
Disabled students Soc
The Disabled Students Society has already made a remarkable impact by creating a supportive, inclusive space for disabled students. They have encouraged a welcoming environment and have collaborated with other societies to provide accessible and engaging events for members.
Academic Society of the Year
Marketing Society
Marketing Society have organised a wide range of events, promoting both academic and professional growth for students. From industry leader talks to networking opportunities and educational activities, this society have created valuable experiences for everyone involved.
Engineering Society
Engineering Society deserve recognition for their growing numbers and their collaboration with multiple other societies. They've hosted great academic sessions, including a LinkedIn session and various others. The society fosters a space for engineering students to connect, have peer to peer sessions, make the course easier and create a group of friends.
Psychology Society
The Psychology Society have been dedicated to engaging students and promoting wellbeing throughout the year. Their collaboration with the BSU during Wellbeing Week and the continuous effort to host activities that support student welfare have made a meaningful impact.
Central & Membership Services Student Staff Award
Lorna Leatherdale-Edwards
Lorna has been an invaluable part of BSU for the past year. As a photographer, their work is integral to the marketing team, capturing the essence of student life with authenticity and energy. Lorna’s ability to create crisp, well-edited images ensures that students' voices and experiences are showcased in an inclusive and representative way.
Eloise "El" Overall
El is an enthusiastic and dedicated content creator who has made a strong impression since joining the SU. They bring fresh ideas, creativity, and a passion for inclusive storytelling. Always willing to step in when needed, El supports the marketing and communications team by taking on last-minute requests and ensuring high-quality content is delivered.
Elizabeth Tetteh
Elizabeth is a friendly, reliable, and supportive presence in the SU. Whether working in the shop or supporting Give It A Go activities, they consistently go the extra mile for students. Always checking in to see how they can help, Elizabeth’s positive attitude and commitment make a real difference in the student experience.
Adham El Tawil
Adham has been a dedicated and dependable team member, always willing to lend a hand. Whether helping with deliveries for the BSU Essentials Shop or stepping in to cover shifts, they consistently go the extra mile to support both students and colleagues.
Commercial Team Student Staff Award
The Venue - Rees Davies
Rees is an exceptional team member who works tirelessly to support The Venue. They consistently step up to cover shifts without hesitation and ensure the highest standards are maintained. Their ability to manage and delegate effectively keeps the team running smoothly, even during the busiest times.
The Venue - Tom Flaherty
Tom has been nothing short of a superhero at The Venue this year. Enthusiastic, reliable, and consistent, Tom is not only a key part of the team but also a favourite among customers. Throughout the year, they have played a vital role in running successful events, including Freshers’ and Refreshers’ Week. Their willingness to train new staff and supervisors before graduating has been incredibly valuable.
Basement Central - Viki McClellan
Viki has been an integral part of Basement Central for the past three years. From day one, they have led with kindness, patience, and an incredible work ethic. No matter how busy or chaotic things get, Viki remains calm and treats everyone with respect, earning the admiration of the entire team. Their leadership skills were especially evident when she stepped up during a health inspection in January, handling it confidently and ensuring the café achieved the highest possible rating.
The Hive - Grace Leeks
Grace brings an outstanding attitude to every shift at The Hive. They deliver excellent customer service, support their colleagues, and radiate kindness and positivity. With a strong work ethic and great potential, Grace consistently uplifts the team and creates a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers. Grace’s contributions to The Hive do not go unnoticed, and they are truly an asset to the team.