Student achievements celebrated at awards

More than 100 people attended the annual Employment and Volunteering Awards, which are now in their third year. The winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award was Victorine Ngamsha, who has volunteered with The Haven since 2010. Her role has involved supporting staff and residents with IT related activities such as mending computer equipment, website access and helping with IT induction training.

Joanna Zielinska was presented with the Student Employee of the Year Award. Joanna has worked for Education Partnerships at the University and was nominated for her consistently high standard of work and commitment as a Student Ambassador.

Two students received the SPEED WM Entrepreneur of the Year 2011.Zee-Shan Chaudhry and Waqas Baggia are Directors of Kreative Iron Ltd, a digital media company based in the West Midlands.

The International Student Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Jude Nweke. Jude has volunteered with Playing for Success since 2008, mentoring young people to improve their numeracy and literacy skills.

Simon Brandwood, Head of Careers and Employment Services, said: “I would like to congratulate all of our winners for their hard work and dedication to win these awards. Volunteering and gaining work experience, whether it is paid or unpaid, is an excellent way of developing skills and qualities that can’t fail to impress any future graduate employer.”

Since launching the Volunteering Certificate in 2008/9, over 900 students have gained recognition for their volunteering activity. In 2010/11, the total number of volunteering hours was 32,698; this equates to an estimated cost of £405,455 if the hours were paid for.

This is the third year The Volunteer of the Year Award has been sponsored by The Midcounties Co-operative. The Student Employee of the Year Awards were sponsored by Enterprise rent-a-car.

ENDS

Caption: University of Wolverhampton Volunteer of the Year Award - Student Victorine Ngamsha (centre) with Andrea Cisuentes from The Haven and Alan Miller, Group General Manager from The Midcounties Co-operative.

University of Wolverhampton Employee of the Year Award - Student Joanna Zielinska with Claire Smith, Talent Acquisition Specialist from Enterprise rent a car.  

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736