Bangor’s Students Union nominated for seven Awards

Bangor University’s very active Students’ Union has been shortlisted for no less than seven Awards in the Annual NUS Wales Awards this year.

An independent panel of judges narrowed more than 80 nominations to a shortlist for this year’s Awards. The Union itself is shortlisted for the ‘Higher Education Students’ Union of the Year’ while Students Union members have been shortlisted for a range of Awards. Rhys Dart, Director, Bangor Students’ Union is nominated for the Simpson-King Students’ Union Staff Member of the Year. Chair of the Geographical Society, who are nominated for Club or Society of the Year, Chris Bibby also finds himself nominated for the Endsleigh Student of the Year. Two Bangor students are among four shortlisted for the Course Rep of the Year: Martyn Curzey, of the School of Chemistry and Marta Napodano, representing fellow students at the School of English. Bangor University’s Geographical Society has been shortlisted for Club or Society of the Year, and Katherine Young, writing for the Welsh student paper, Y Llef, for the Student Journalist of the Year.

Antony Butcher, Students’ Union President said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see that NUS Wales are recognising that we are a Students’ Union that works hard for our members and have so many committed and talented students and staff. As we build towards our new home in Pontio it is important that we keep working hard to develop the student experience and have a positive impact on our students. We’re delighted to be named as one of four possible winners of the Higher Education SU of the year award; and are looking forward to the awards evening in Newport – hopefully we’ll bring some awards back North!”

As a result of his role as Chair of the Geographical Society, Chris Bibby has been shortlisted for a personal Award.  Commenting on behalf of the Society he said: “I’m extremely proud that we have come this far, beyond the whole committee’s expectations.  It couldn’t be done without the outstanding work from the committee that we had and the great effort from all of our members and staff who enjoyed every bit of the year, to be even nominated for the award is something, and if we win it, it’ll mean so much to our department at Bangor, to both staff and students”.  The Geographical Society won Bangor Students’ Union ‘Society of the Year’ and ‘Environmental Award’ for their effortless campaigns on Fairtrade and ‘Go Green Week’. At the same awards, Chris Bibby won Gold Award and Vice-Chairperson; Charlie Wild won Silver Award for outstanding contributions to their students union. 

Shortlisted Course Rep of the year, Marta Napodano said: “Having the role of International Course Rep for the School of English has been incredible. As an International student myself, I was able to see my same concerns and queries reflected in others, and helping students out in their first confusing days here has really impacted me. Being able to answer even the smallest question, and put a smile of relief on a face, is the biggest reward I could ask for!”

The Winners will be announced after a gala dinner in the Hilton Hotel in Newport on Wednesday 13 March during the NUS Wales Conference.  The Awards will be decided by an independent panel of judges comprising former NUS Wales President Vaughan Gethin AM; Gareth Evans, Western Mail Education Correspondent and Save the Children’s Head of Mobilisation, Jean McLean.

Publication date: 8 March 2013