University

29 Jun 11

Contributions to the local community, society and the wider world by students have been recognised by the Vice-Chancellor’s Civic Awards today (29 June 2011).

Seven Oxford students received awards at a lunch at Rhodes House which formed part of the Encaenia celebrations.

Now in their second year, the Vice-Chancellor’s Civic Awards recognise and promote the positive impact of Oxford students on the local, national, and international community. This year’s seven winners were chosen by a panel of representatives from both the University and the community.

The award is open to any student currently studying at Oxford University. Students are proposed by a sponsor and then submit a nomination form outlining why they deserve an award.

The University delivers the awards in partnership with Oxford Hub, which was founded by undergraduates four years ago, and works to promote and support student volunteering and social action.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Hamilton, said: ‘A huge number of the University’s students are engaged in some form of volunteering and social action. In doing so, they make a real impact on society through their time, energy and donations, and also help to build bridges with the local community and represent the University on a global scale.’

The winners will receive leadership training, mentoring from successful Oxford alumni and dinner with key members of the University and high-profile alumni.

The 2011 Vice-Chancellor’s Civic Award winners are:

Nicola Byrom, who is studying for a doctorate in experimental psychology at Brasenose College. She has volunteered for a number of eating disorder-related projects since 2007. In 2009 she launched SRSH (Student Run Self Help), a volunteer-run organisation to provide self-help groups for students with eating disorders, and has raised more than £60,000 for the programme. 

Jo Evans, an undergraduate studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Harris Manchester College. During her first year at Oxford Jo was co-President of OxFID (Oxford Forum for International Development), the UK's largest student-led development conference. She also volunteers with the Gatehouse, an evening drop-in centre for homeless people in the centre of Oxford.

Doireann Lalor, who is studying for a doctorate in Italian Literature at Balliol College. She is involved in various grassroots projects which seek to engage people with climate change. She is one of the founders and coordinators of OxGrow, a community food-growing project which promotes a healthy and sustainable food system in Oxford by offering a space for anyone to grow food.

Charlotte Le Flufy, an undergraduate studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at The Queen’s College. Since arriving at Oxford, Charlotte has been involved with Oxford Raise and Give (RAG), the Student Union Fundraising Organisation.  As its President in 2010-11, Charlotte led Oxford RAG to raise a record £119,000 for charity – more than twice the previous year.

Emily Middleton, an undergraduate studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Wadham College. Emily has volunteered at a national level with UNICEF UK for four and a half years, and is currently one of two Youth Advisors to the UNICEF UK Board of Trustees. She has run peer education sessions on children’s rights and HIV/AIDS and she was president of the Oxford UNICEF society, expanding the society’s membership and broadening its scope to include more campaigning work.

Adele Powell, who is studying for a doctorate in Zoology at Wolfson College. She is a volunteer for a number of charitable organisations that reflect her humanitarian and conservation interests. She has worked with the Sumatran Orang-utan Society to raise funds and awareness, in the hope of protecting the apes and their rainforest habitat. Since joining Wolfson College, Adele has also been heavily involved with African Medical and Research Foundation, the college charity, which has surpassed its annual targets and has seen the most successful year in its 30-year history.

Lauren Cowley, an undergraduate student studying Experimental Psychology at Hertford College. Lauren has been involved with a number of charitable organisations during her time in Oxford, particularly those concerned with young people or elderly people. Lauren helped re-launch and coordinate the group AgeAid, which runs activities in care homes for older people.