The Beacon Awards: chosen by students, celebrating achievements!

The Beacon Awards ceremony took place on the evening of Thursday 30th April 2026 in the Rolle Marquee to celebrate and honour the incredible student and staff community here in Plymouth.

The ceremony brought together many parts combined of student life and experience here at Plymouth University. We celebrated and students for their extracurricular involvement and academic success alongside the staff who support them all. These awards were nominated and chosen by students.

The night began at 6pm with celebratory drinks, light bites and live music by the student group Big Band.

The President of the Students’ Union Dindu Okechukwu 2025/26 took to the stage to deliver the opening speech before the awards were announced.

“The Beacon Awards are especially meaningful because they are shaped by the voices of our community. The nominations behind these awards come from both students and staff, reflecting the shared experience of learning, teaching, supporting, and growing together. It reminds us that a university is not defined by individuals, but by relationships, collaboration, encouragement, and sometimes simply by showing up for one another when it counts most.”

The winners are...

• Alex Brewer - Student Representative of the Year
• Dr. David Brockington - Academic Staff of the Year
• Helen Ebrahimi - Resilience Award
• Hebe Parrott - Outstanding Contribution
• Alexander Wilson - Staff Choice of the Year
• William Thrall - Support Staff of the Year
• Big Band - Society of the Year
• Cheerleading - Sports Club of the Year
• Dance - Fundraiser of the Year
• Pole Dance - Activity of the Year
• Student Action for Refugees - Community Impact Award

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: Alex Brewer

“Alex was instrumental in responding to widespread student concerns regarding the use of AI-generated content in lectures. After proactively gathering and presenting structured feedback from his course, he successfully facilitated change within the structure of lectures.”

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. David Brockington

“I have again had the privilege of learning from David, both as a lecturer and as my dissertation supervisor. As expected, his teaching continues to be engaging, interactive, and intellectually stimulating.”

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: Helen Ebrahimi

“Despite facing displacement, financial barriers, caring responsibilities, and significant personal challenges, Helen continues to thrive academically while dedicating her time to supporting others.”

Outstanding Contribution
Awarded to a student or a student group that have continually shown commitment and passion to improve the experience for students at the University of Plymouth.

Winner: Hebe Parrott 

“Hebe is an outstanding member and music director of the choir often helping other committee members with their role selflessly. Hebe has been wonderful in helping me develop my skills.”

Staff Choice Award
Staff work with members of the university community throughout the year across the institution and recognising commitment and contribution that has made a positive difference. This award is chosen by the staff at the SU and University who work closely with these members across a variety of activities, and they see the effort and passion students put into helping others and making a difference.

Winner: Alexander Wilson

“Alexander always makes an effort to provide pastoral support to students and offers his own time to make sure that every student’s experience at the UoP is as best as it can be. He is an asset to the School of Biological and Marine Science and his enthusiasm for the subject has not gone unnoticed by the students.”

Support Staff of the Year
This award recognises those 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: William Thrall

“William has been there for me from the very start. In today’s society, it’s very rare to find someone who is not only dedicated to their work, but is passionate and understanding enough to inconvenience themselves in order to help others.”

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: Big Band

“Big Band are consistently dedicated to developing and supporting activities for members that contribute to their growth and engagement within the society by hosting workshops in the form of sectionals.”

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

“Storm Cheerleading truly represents the meaning of teamwork, support, and dedication. Every member of the club is valued and encouraged, and no one is ever left out. They cheer each other on both on and off the mat.”

Fundraiser of the Year

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: Dance

“UPDC’s Christmas Showcase was a standout success, raising £1,411 through ticket sales alone for St Lukes Hospice Plymouth. In addition, a bake sale and raffle held during the event generated a further £300.”

Activity of the Year
Awarded to an individual or group who 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: Pole Dance

“Beyond performances, the event created an engaging and interactive atmosphere for attendees. Friendly competitions, raffles, and refreshments ensured the showcase was more than just a performance, it was a community celebration.” 

Community Impact 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: Student Action for Refugees

“The society has not only created opportunities for its members to develop laudable generic skills through hands-on experiences, but has also strengthened the relationship between the University, the Students’ Union, and the wider humane organisations across the region. In doing so they have enhanced the reputation of the university and underlined its civic impact.”

Half Colours
Half Colours are awarded to students for their continual dedication and involvement with student led activities. All students below have been awarded Half Colours.

Grace Addicott - Archery
“Grace was the primary leader and architect of this year’s Beginners Course, under which the club had a 100% completion rate for the first time.”

Helen Ebrahimi - Student Action for Refugees (STAR)
“Helen’s organisational leadership has been central to the society’s ability to run multiple fundraisers, community volunteering initiatives, and partnership collaborations efficiently.”

Amy Haines - Cheerleading
“Amy brings an incredibly positive presence to the committee. She is consistently cheerful, approachable and helpful, making her an absolute joy to work alongside.”

Aimee Hanger - Swimming, Artistic Swimming and Water Polo
“Aimee has played a fantastic part in our club since she stepped into the Female Water Polo Vice Captain role, and we all have felt her hugely positive impact.”

Hannah Hind - Cheerleading
“Emily has transformed UPDC’s ballet squads, choreographing award-winning routines and uplifting teammates with unmatched dedication, creativity, and a constant positive presence at every club event and class.”

Olivia Janes - Dance
“Olivia checks in on progress, helps resolve practical challenges, and ensures responsibilities are followed through. When issues arise, she approaches them calmly and constructively.”

Beatriz Moreira - Dance
“Bea has built and nurtured strong relationships with sponsors throughout the year. She has ensured that the club presents itself professionally in all correspondence and public events, reinforcing trust and credibility.”

Hafsa Nasir - Student Action for Refugees (STAR)
“Hafsa’s proactive approach to financial planning has ensured that the society could continue to expand its work while maintaining responsible financial practices.”

Lucy O'Nions - Pole Dance
“Lucy has organised and held auditions for the team, encouraged new members to audition, compete and helped all seven performers of Team Plymouth to create and polish their routines.”

Hebe Parrott - Choir
“Hebe’s passion, initiative, and infectious positivity make her an invaluable part of the Concert Band and the wider music community. She continually goes above and beyond in everything she does.”

Matilda Poole - Cheerleading
“When pressure was high and nerves were overwhelming, Matlida was always there, being a steady, reassuring, and endlessly supportive presence in the club. Her kindness is constant and genuine.”

Maddie Ralph - Dance
“Maddie truly is a sunshine presence within the club. She brings warmth, approachability, kindness into every space she steps into– showing her flexibility and willingness to help wherever there is a gap.”

Dilenne Richards - Cheerleading
“Dilenne’s enthusiasm, creativity and team-first attitude make her a valued member of the society, and her dedication to supporting both the club and its members is truly commendable.”

Molly Slator - Swimming, Artistic Swimming and Water Polo
“Molly has placed a major emphasis on wellbeing. She has brought new focus to mental health, support networks, and student welfare, ensuring that wellbeing becomes priority within the club.”

Poppy Sexton - Swimming, Artistic Swimming and Water Polo
“Poppy’s leadership is defined by compassion, integrity, and selflessness. She puts the needs of others before her own and steps in wherever support is required.”

Imogen Swale - Swimming, Artistic Swimming and Water Polo
“Imogen has strengthened engagement across the club and enhanced our external presence, while maintaining exceptional communication with sponsors, external organisations, and committee members.”

Jesse Vecchiet - Badminton
“Jesse has contributed countless hours to the club by organising and running sessions and greatly encourages members, especially as she is an excellent role model for women in sports.”

Sophie Fowkes - Swimming, Artistic Swimming and Water Polo
“Sophie demonstrates leadership, dedication, organisation, and selflessness. She has strengthened the competitiveness, improved standards of representation, and supported her swimmers.”

Full Colours
Awarded to student who have achieved half colours in recognition of excellent performance or commitment within a student club or society. This is an award chosen by student groups. All students below have been awarded Full Colours.

Uthsara Dissanayake - Student Action for Refugees (STAR)
“Uthsara’s work reflects the very best of student leadership. His sustained dedication, ability to bring people together, and genuine commitment to supporting others have made a significant contribution to STAR Plymouth.”

Hannah Gallagher - Canoe
“In total Hannah has given up over 400 hours to her volunteer roles so far this year including over 300 hours to the kayak club alone showing her dedication and commitment to the club without needing anything in return.”

Ruari Gallagher - Badminton
“Ruari always puts the club interests above his own, continually striving for people to be included and have the best experience possible. He is enthusiastic, full of life and laughs that really translates through his running of the club.”

Kira Tunicliffe - Cheerleading
“Kira strikes the perfect balance between being fun and inclusive while also having the confidence to make difficult decisions that are always in the best interests of the club. Kira goes far beyond what is expected of her role.”

The Awards 
The 2026 Beacon Awards were designed and created by University of Plymouth students from the School of Art, Design and Architecture. Thanks to: 

• Eve Weeks
• Auguste Brazauskaite
• Yllka Llazani
• Joana Medeiros Wiedemann
• Maclej Piasecki

“The 2026 Beacon awards take inspiration from the Plymouth coastline, using design technology to give it a 3D form. We worked across year groups in a multidisciplinary team to gather ideas and developed them. We extruded the topology the map around the university and layered in laser cut plywood. The names of the winners were etched onto blue transparent acrylic and placed on the back.”

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!