THE UNIVERSITY of Reading celebrated the hard work of volunteers from across campus for the second iteration of its annual showcase.
The Celebration of Volunteering saw participants given awards to recognise their work both within the university and in the community at an event on Whiteknights Campus.
Staff, students, alumni, and supporters were recognised for their support of charitable organisations and community projects around Reading.
Mark Goldup, a founding trustee of local homelessness charity Launchpad and Reading alum, was a special guest on the night, where he gave a a talk about the impact that volunteering while at university had on his life and career.
Among those receiving awards was Rachel McQuilliam, internal communications (student engagement) manager at the university, who received an award for more than 10 years volunteering with a home library service providing books and visits to the elderly and visually impaired.
Gabriela Thomas, treasury assistant, was recognised for co-founding the Czech School Berkshire, which teaches Czech language and culture in 2016 as a working parent.
Rachel Thorns, HR partner and former chair of the Women@Reading network, was recognised for her work growing membership of the staff network to more than 400 members, as well as leading initiatives such as the Women’s Health Café.
Professor Yota Dimitriadi, who lectures in Computer Science Education and chairs the Staff Disability+ Network was recognised for her “instrumental” role in amplifying the voices and lived experiences of disabled staff.
Among the students who were recognised were Josmi Saji, for her “integral role” supporting a night shelter project for refugees; and Abigail Karkoska, for more than a decade of volunteering with the Scouts.
Reading Students’ Union Project of the Year awards went to Once a Month, a student society which works to address period poverty, and the University Hockey Club, following its efforts to raise over £6000 for charity this year.
Alumni/Supporter Volunteer of the Year winners included Peter Must, for decades of working with University alumni groups; Laura Windisch, for managing Reading Family Aid’ s annual Christmas Toys and Teens Appeal; and Tomson Chauke for his refugee football team, Sanctuary Strikers FC, and community music outreach with his band, Limpopo Groove.
Alfie Heasmer-Jones won the award for Students in Schools Volunteer of the Year for their work volunteering in the same primary classroom for nearly two years.
A total of 88 nominations were submitted across six categories.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, University of Reading Vice-Chancellor, said: “The stories of the commitment and drive that volunteers from our University community show every day are as humbling as they are impressive.
“I am proud of the collective impact that Reading students, staff, alumni and supporters are having on people’s lives through their community engagement, and these awards are a fitting way to show our appreciation.”
