Achievements of staff and students honoured at annual Students' Union Awards

The fourteenth annual Students' Union Awards was held at the Chancellors' Hall on the evening of Thursday 22 May. The event paid tribute to remarkable staff members and students nominated for 22 awards across seven categories, celebrating those who have gone above and beyond, demonstrating passion and a commitment to motivational leadership and championing positive change.  

Hosted by the University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union, the evening brought together a vibrant community of students, academic staff, and support professionals to honour the individuals and groups who have made a lasting impact on student life. 

The awards not only celebrated individual achievements of enthusiastic course representatives and inspiring lecturers, but also highlighted the collective spirit of the university community. Societies that fostered inclusivity, events that brought students together, and staff who consistently went the extra mile were all recognised for their contributions.

Each nomination was submitted by students, reflecting the authentic appreciation of peers and colleagues.

“Winning meant a huge deal to me. Sometimes when work you do is hidden behind the scenes, it's easy to forget you're making a difference, but winning this award - and even just being nominated - really shows the impact I've had, and the fact that I've managed to help people enough to have won is so incredible. I am overjoyed to have won!”  

Katie Blackwell, Gender Equality Liberation Rep – winner of Liberation Rep of the Year

"Winning this award was an incredible honour and a complete shock, and I don’t feel deserving of it. Supporting our students is a real team effort, and I’m fortunate to do a job that I love. Being nominated by the students themselves makes it even more special—that means the world to me”.

Kirsty Dorward, Head of Student Experience Projects – winner of Student Support Member of the year 

“I am so grateful to the School of Creative Industries students who took the time to nominate me for this award. I feel I represent the Academic Coach team when I say that it is so important to us to know that what we do makes such a difference. Recognition from students is the highest praise. Thank you so much.”

Lauren Newman, Academic Coach, FABSS – winner of Academic Support of the Year award

“I feel really grateful and honestly, a little overwhelmed to receive this award. Championing diversity has never felt like a duty, it’s been a joy and a privilege. Our university is home to Diverse students, voices, and experiences, and being able to help amplify and celebrate them has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey here. Thank you so much for this recognition, it truly means the world to me."

Opeyemi Adeyemi – winner of Championing Diversity at the University award (student) 

"Coming back to work after cancer treatment was a daunting and challenging prospect. Although I have always loved my job, having to take time out really impacted my confidence. The fact that students took the time to nominate me has filled my heart with joy. It has really helped me on my journey of recovering my sense of self. To be in a category alongside peers that I highly respect is just amazing. I thank everyone who has walked beside me over the last few years. Most of all thank you to the students who fill each day with purpose and inspiration. You are the reason why I am so proud to be part of this university.” 

Marion Jane Sheffield, Senior Lecturer in Social Work – winner of Lecturer of the Year – FEHW

This years winners 

Category: Student awards

Course rep of the year  

• Oshadhi Herath - winner

• Wijesundara Mudiyanselage Nishadi Samaraweera 

• Joseph Akachukwu Okeke 

School rep of the year - Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Studies  

• Riley Quinn - winner

• Kyla-Shanice Barnes-Yates 

• Roshni Panjala 

School rep of the year - Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing

• Victor Eyo - winner

• Natasha Smith 

• Liam Pacheco 

School rep of the year - Faculty of Science and Engineering

• Khadijat Shittu - winner

• Hassaan Sohail 

• Viran Dhesi 

Student Leadership

• Hamna Arshad - winner

• Yetunde Adedipe 

• Ayodeji Amos Faniyi 

Student Award for Championing Diversity

• Opeyemi Adeyemi - winner

• Yurume Princess Omonoseh 

• Jodiann Gayle 

Liberation rep of the year 

• Katie Blackwell - winner

• Yurume Princess Omonoseh

• Solagbade (Sola) Akande 

PhD Excellence Award 

• Deisam ogan - winner

• Swee Yee Shea 

• Yaamini Mohan 

Category: Student staff awards 

Student staff member of the year 

• Kaitlin Maloney - winner

• Katie Blackwell 

• Maggie Rayner 

Category: Society awards

Society of the year 

• Sign language Society - Oliva Jordan-Caws - winner

• Doctoral Researchers Society - Deinsam Ogan 

• Telugu Wolves - Balu Vejandla 

Social event of the year 

• Langar on Campus - Mahaan Somal - winner

• Board Game Society - Chris Hall 

• Nepali Culture Evening - Anishma Karki 

New society of the year 

• Legal and Able - Tarika Dahanayake - winner

• Punjabi Society - Ishant Bharath 

• Climbing Society - Tobias McDonalds 

Category: Volunteering awards 

Volunteering impact award 

• Eranga oshada Amarthunga - winner

• Hamna Arshad 

• Wijesundara Mudiyanselage Nishadi Samaraweera 

Category: Lecturers' awards

Lecturer of the year - Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Studies 

• Avril Langard Tang - winner

• Pravanjot uppal 

• Ria Smith 

Lecturer of the year - Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing 

•  Marion Jane Sheffield - winner

• Laura Nicklin 

• Leanne Kidson 

Lecturer of the year - Faculty of Science and Engineering 

• Professor Suresh Renukappa - winner

• Dr Julie Walton 

• Dr Emmanuel Daniel 

Teaching Excellence Award 

• Femi Falobi - winner

• Vicki Price 

• Dr Lizana Oberholzer 

Dissertation Supervisor of the Year 

• Dr Kinza Khan - winner

• Professor Suresh Renukappa 

• Nat Rushton 

Category: Academic Support Staff awards 

Award for Academic Support Staff 

• Lauren Newman - winner

• Leanne Kidson 

• Nat Rushton

Category: Awards where all staff are eligible

Student Support Member of the Year 

• Kelly Maritza - winner

• Sabrina Jackson 

• Leanne Kidson 

Staff Award for Championing Diversity at the University 

• Kirsty Dorward - winner

• Ada Adeghe 

• Lisa Luzajic