University Centre Weston (UCW) held a night to remember at the annual UCW Awards, held on Wednesday, April 24th 2024. The event, which celebrated excellence and achievement across various disciplines, was a resounding success, leaving attendees buzzing with excitement.
Attendees enjoyed an incredible performance by UCW’s BA (Hons) Musical Theatre students. Their renditions of hits such as “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon, “Wings” by Little Mix, and the timeless classic “Mamma Mia” by Abba had the audience clapping along.
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our primary sponsor, DPL Partnerships, whose unwavering commitment to UCW made this event possible. We also extend our thanks to our publication sponsor, PACE, and our award sponsors: the Institute of Technology, Skylight Property, and Uncle Paul’s Chilli Charity. Your partnership is invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of your continued support.
As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to a delicious dinner, culminating in a sweet dessert of brownie and ice cream.
The first awards of the evening were the student of the year awards with our Vice Principal for Higher Education Sadie Skellon, and our Interim Principal and CEO, Jacqui Ford on the stage. Among the recipients were individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement. Our incredible award winners are below!
- Business and Professional Services Student of the Year – Sara
- Counselling, Education and Healthcare Student of the Year – Nigel
- Creative Student of the Year – Zoe
- Engineering and Construction Student of the Year – Benjamin
- Sport and Sciences Student of the Year – Lauren
The ceremony then moved on to the Student Experience Awards. These awards were chosen to honour those who have dedicated themselves to improving student experience at UCW. The award winners are below!
- Student Ambassador of the Year – Courtney
- Student Representative of the Year – Ffinian
- Heather Moreton Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering and Work Placements – Ffion and Harriet
- Team of the Year – Sustainability Society
- Outstanding Lecturer of the Year – Andreas Papadopoulos
- Outstanding Lecturer of the Year – Sarah Leaney
- Outstanding Support Staff Member of the Year – Leanne Preston
- Outstanding Contribution to Partnerships – Emma McKechnie
- Outstanding Work Placement Provider of the Year – Puxton Park
Towards the end of the evening, the Principal’s Gold Awards were announced. Claire Arbery, director of the West of England Institute of Technology, presented the coveted Institute of Technology Learner of the Year award which was awarded to Nigel!
James Davison, Managing Director of DPL Partnerships, took the stage to present the Outstanding Contribution to UCW Award which was awarded to Abby Dobson. Finally, the Higher Education Student of the Year Award was presented to Lauren.
Our Vice Principal for Higher Education, Sadie Skellon commended the awards saying: “Through the nominations, we were told of outstanding academic achievements; of students overcoming personal challenges to succeed; of staff going above and beyond to support our learners; and of organisations investing their resources in the professional development of UCW students and graduates. It was therefore exceptionally difficult to choose the winners in each category, whether a winner or nominee everyone should feel very proud of their achievements, we are very proud of you.”
The UCW Awards 2024 was a testament to the talent, dedication, and spirit of excellence of all our nominees and winners. We applaud the achievements of our students and partners!
