Bangor University’s Students’ Union put Bangor on the map at the annual NUS Wales Awards.

Bangor Students' Union not only won the Course Rep of the Year and Union Staff Member of the Year categories at the annual NUS Wales Awards this year but were also highly commended in the Union of the Year category.

Martyn Curzey, 20, from Aldridge in the Walsall, who is currently studying  Chemistry with Biomolecular Science at Bangor, won the Course Rep of the Year award at the  ceremony, which was held in the Hilton Hotel in Newport during the NUS Wales Conference.

Martyn, a former pupil of Aldridge School, said: “I was completely shocked. I wasn't expecting to be nominated for the award, let alone win. The ceremony was great fun, and as you can imagine, winning made it even better!”

He added: “Being Course Rep means you are the voice of students on your course. I attend meeting with staff of my school, where I report back to say what's working and what needs improving in relation to lectures, labs, feedback, and facilities. I also attend Course Rep Council, where students from all the different disciplines come together to discuss University-wide problems.

“I would definitely recommend being a course rep to any students who have a lot to say for themselves and for others! I'm someone with strong opinions, but I also love representing the opinions of others. It's also a great way of getting involved in things like the Student-led teaching awards, and way of developing some interesting skills.”

About the future, Martyn said: “I've applied for Masters in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Bangor, as well as few other Masters course in other places around the UK. I still have so much to learn!”

Antony Butcher, Students’ Union President said: “It was fantastic for the Union, and our wonderful students, to be nominated for so many awards. This recognises the amount of work the Union has been doing to improve the student experience in Bangor, and to make sure that we are doing the best job we can for students. I was delighted that we were highly commended for Students' Union of the year, with judges particularly highlighting our determination to be the very best we can be. I'm also delighted for Martyn Curzey, who won Course Rep of the year, and Rhys Dart, who won staff member of the year, both thoroughly deserved.”

Publication date: 21 March 2013