The Beacon Awards: chosen by students, celebrating achievements!
The Beacon Awards ceremony took place on the evening of Tuesday 29th April 2025 in the Rolle Marquee, located on the University of Plymouth campus, in celebration and honour of the incredible students and staff in our community at the University of Plymouth.
The ceremony combined multiple areas of the student experience at Plymouth, celebrating the work of students through their extracurricular activities, their academic achievements, as well the recognition of the fantastic staff that have supported them, all of whom were exclusively nominated and chosen by students.
This was a prestigious evening, with the winners and those shortlisted within each category announced and applauded by the attendance of family, friends and peers.
The night began at 6pm with celebratory drinks, light snacks and live music by the University of Plymouth Concert Band.
Before the awards were announced, Josh Frost, VP Activities 2024/25, took to the stage for the first speech of the evening:
[…] This evening is a celebration of the passion, dedication, and hard work that makes our University such a dynamic and inspiring place. With an impressive 502 nominations this year, it’s clear that our community continues to grow stronger and more impactful every day.
[…] Every nominee represents the best of what we stand for—leadership, resilience, and unwavering support for one another. As Vice President Activities, I draw constant inspiration from all of you and, I am excited to celebrate your incredible contributions and achievements and look forward to seeing what you can achieve next! Thank you all for making our university a brighter, more vibrant place for everyone.
2025 Beacon Awards winners:
- Fundraiser of the Year - Men's Rugby
- Support Staff of the Year - Andrew Banks
- Supervisor of the Year - Dr Ahmed Hammad
- Activity of the Year Award – Concert Band
- Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award – Waterfront Running
- Student Representative of the Year Award – Adam Holt
- Community Contribution of the Year Award – Plymouth Night Patrol
- Student Voice Advocate of the Year Award – Elena Brake
- Academic Support Staff of the Year Award – Dr Cath Gristy
- Resilience Award – Tsian Deslandes
- Staff Choice Award – Kate Inman
- Society of the Year - Switch Up
- Sports Club of the Year - Cheerleading
- Inspirational Teaching of the Year - Dr Clare Embling
Fundraiser of the Year Award
Awarded to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to a particular charity or charities. Through the projects and events, they have worked on they will have shown their commitment to raising money to help other people in need.
Winner: Men’s Rugby Club
“UPRFC raised £4,438 for Movember with 100% member participation, national radio coverage, and individual efforts like a 60km charity run—breaking records while raising vital awareness for men’s health and suicide prevention.”
Support Staff of the Year
Awarded to members of support staff who, in any shape or form, aid students to make their lives and their student experience better. Be it a technician in your Faculty or a staff member from Disability Assist, International Advice Service, The Writing Café, PALS or elsewhere, these individuals can truly be one in a million.
Winner: Andrew Banks
“Andy’s behind-the-scenes expertise, dedication, and unwavering support have empowered countless students. His encouragement, patience, and technical skill make an immeasurable impact across creative disciplines—he deserves to be celebrated.”
Supervisor of the Year
Awarded to a University staff member who has helped students to navigate through the challenge of a dissertation, thesis or major project. Completing a large project, dissertation or research project can be one of the biggest sources of stress for a student, the award goes to a member of staff who has been by your side to support and guide you throughout.
Winner: Dr Ahmed Hammad
“Ahmed’s mentorship transformed my academic journey—his exceptional guidance, tailored support, and genuine passion for student success empowered me to grow personally and professionally. He is the definition of an outstanding supervisor.”
Activity of the Year
Awarded to an individual or group that has shown commitment and enthusiasm for a project or event that has run this academic year. The outstanding and successful project or event could be ongoing or a one off. The winner will clearly show how the work they have done by putting on the project / event it has made had a positive impact for students.
Winner: Concert Band Society
“This event exemplifies their dedication, creativity, and teamwork, and I have no doubt it will leave a legacy on the university and the wider student community for years to come.”
Outstanding Contribution Award
Awarded to a student or student group who’s tirelessly shown commitment and passion to improving the experience for students at the University. It celebrates those who go the extra mile to make life at the University better for their peers.
Winner: Waterfront Running Club
“Waterfront Running fosters inclusivity, mental wellbeing, and community through sport, charity work, and mental health advocacy—transforming lives, strengthening campus bonds, and making a meaningful impact both within and beyond the university.”
Student Representative of the Year
Awarded to a student academic representative who has continually shown commitment and focus to help strengthen the voice of students. The winner of this award will have made time for students, used appropriate and tailored methods to proactively collect students’ feedback – feeding the outcome back to the students they represent.
Winner: Adam Holt
“Adam transformed student representation in Chemistry—creating cross-School collaboration and enhancing feedback systems. His compassion, and advocacy have built a supportive and inclusive academic community.”
Community Contribution Award
Awarded to recognise the amazing work of student volunteers who make a positive impact on the local community. This award goes to an individual or group who has demonstrated that they have made a difference in the local community. This individual or group has also shown a high level of commitment and enthusiasm to help other people.
Winner: Plymouth Night Patrol
“PNP volunteers go above and beyond— providing vital night-time care, supporting city-wide safety, and championing community causes like diversity and women’s safety, all while maintaining tri- weekly shifts and unwavering resilience.”
Student Voice Advocate Award
Awarded to a group or individual who supports and empowers students to lead, create or participate in opportunities to influence the student experience.
Winner: Elena Brake
“Elena has quietly led transformative accessibility improvements across campus—advocating with compassion, creativity, and perseverance. Her work has directly improved student experiences and fostered greater understanding of disability inclusion university-wide.”
Academic Support Staff of the Year
Awarded to a staff member who has gone above and beyond in their job to support students throughout their time at University. This award recognises those members of academic staff, be that a personal tutor, programme lead or lecturer, who, in any shape or form, aid students to make their lives and their student experience better.
Winner: Dr Cath Gristy
“Cath goes above and beyond— providing academic support, empathy, and guidance. She nurtures students to become independent learners and has made a profound impact on my academic and personal growth.”
Resilience Award
Awarded to a student that has faced significant challenges this year but has shown strength and resilience to persevere and achieve in face of challenges.
Winner: Tsian Deslandes
“Despite profound loss and illness, Tsian has thrived academically and launched global conservation initiatives. Her strength, compassion, and drive to inspire others make her a true beacon of resilience.”
Staff Choice Award
Awarded to a student who has made a positive difference within the University community. It acknowledges their commitment and contribution throughout the year. Staff across the institution and the Students’ Union who work closely with students nominate the recipient, having witnessed their effort and passion in helping others through various activities.
Winner: Kate Inman
“Kate is an inspiring role model who supports peers with compassion and leads with professionalism. Her dedication as a representative and volunteer makes a lasting impact across the university community.”
Society of the Year
Awarded to a student group who has demonstrated professionalism, outstanding achievements and team working across the academic year. They will have demonstrated a positive impact of the work they do for their members. This group has consistently shown their commitment by either supporting or running activities in addition to being professional in their attitude whilst achieving great things.
Winner: SwitchUp
“SwitchUP redefined community through gaming—expanding events, championing accessibility, and raising £2,394 for charity. Their impact on neurodivergent and anxious students is profound, making them a beacon of support, fun, and innovation.”
Inspirational Teaching of the Year
This award is for a staff member or team who show passion and enthusiasm for teaching and inspires their students to be the best they can be. They make time for students and treat them as individuals, show a willingness to listen and champion student development in their chosen field.
Winner: Dr Clare Embling
“Clare’s obvious passion for her field and excitement at new research is infectious. She always has time for students, goes the extra mile, and makes every learning opportunity count.”
Sports Club of the Year
Awarded to a sports club who has demonstrated professionalism, outstanding achievements and team working across the academic year. They will have demonstrated a positive impact of the work they do for their members. This group has consistently shown their commitment by either supporting or running activities in addition to being professional in their attitude whilst achieving great things.
Winner: Cheerleading
“Plymouth Storm has had its most successful year, excelling competitively, expanding inclusivity, and fundraising for vital causes—proving themselves as a passionate, driven club committed to performance, community, and mental health awareness.”
Full Colours
Awarded to a student who has achieved half colours in recognition of excellent performance or commitment within a student club or society. This is an award chosen by student groups.
- Amelia McCabe (Big Band and Concert Band)
“Amelia’s inclusive leadership as Musical Director has transformed Concert Band into a fun, welcoming community. Her passion, creativity, and commitment
have inspired connection, performance opportunities, and growth for all members.”
- Katie Fryett (Cheerleading)
“Katie’s compassionate, transformative leadership as President has expanded Storm Cheerleading, fostered new community partnerships, and created an inclusive, resilient team culture— elevating every athlete and leaving a legacy of empowerment and support.”
“Amy’s exceptional leadership as Boxing Chair created the club’s most inclusive, successful year yet—achieving England Boxing affiliation, expanding opportunities, and uniting 117 members across experience levels with confidence and care.”
- Jack Slator (Swimming, Synchro and Waterpolo)
“Jack’s consistent dedication as Vice- Chair of UPSSWPC has streamlined club operations, supported every team, and driven charity efforts—making him an invaluable, approachable presence across all club events and initiatives.”
- Frances Burdett (Lacrosse)
“Frances has transformed UPDC through inclusive leadership, historic competition success, and sold-out showcases. Her dedication to community, charity, and every member’s experience has made UPDC a supportive, thriving dance family.”
Half Colours
Awarded to students in recognition of excellent performance or commitment within a student club or society.
- Amrita Naik (K-Pop Society)
- Annabelle Dalton (Women’s Hockey Club)
- Emma Thornley (Badminton Club)
- Amy Wakefield (Swimming, Synchro and Waterpolo)
- Chloe Bessell (Women’s Hockey Club)
- Emily Stevens (Dance Club)
- Emma Carthew (Women's Hockey)
- Evelyn Hammond (Concert Band and Big Band)
- Evie Gene Mason (Dance Club)
- Hannah Gallagher (Canoe and Kayak Club)
- Hannah Rollason (Cheerleading Club)
- Isaac Taylor (Concert Band and Big Band)
- Kira Tunnicliffe (Cheerleading Club)
- Libby Phillips (Women’s Hockey Club)
- Mariko Shiel (Dance Club)
- Matthew Knight (Big Band)
- Mia Cioma (Swimming, Synchro and Waterpolo)
- Natasha Cannell (Swimming, Synchro and Waterpolo)
- Nicola Meredith (Women’s Hockey Club)
- Ruari Gallagher (Badminton Club)
- Avanthika Shaine (Student Action for Refugees and Plymouth Malayalee Society)
The Awards
The 2025 Beacon Awards were designed and created by University of Plymouth students from the School of Art, Design and Architecture. Thanks to:
- Sara Alawadi
- Charlotte Darrand
- Rosie Darlison
- James Goodwin
- Catriona Llewellyn
- Mabyn Roche
- Edward Satchell
Being provided with this opportunity to make the trophies for an awards night is a great challenge for upcoming designers, to create a product that makes people proud of what they have done to win an award.
It has tested us to find a variety of design solutions and to work against a real world deadline, as well as strengthened our knowledge of materials and practices.- Mabyn Roche
Here at UPSU, we want to say once again a huge congratulations to all the winners and those who were shortlisted. Thank you for making the evening so special and memorable, and we hope you are proud of what you have achieved!