The Celebrate Success Awards 2025 took place on Thursday 1st May in the Students' Union. This annual celebration is held for the incredible student groups and volunteers of UPSU and is an opportunity to recognise them on an individual basis for their hard work and determination across the academic year. 

We wanted to send a massive thank you to anyone who nominated in the Celebrate Success Awards and for taking the time to show your appreciation for your student group committee. We also want to send a huge well done to everyone who received a nomination. It was incredibly tough to select this year's winners as the nominations were so strong!

It was fantastic reading over everything you've been up to; you make the University community such a vibrant and fun place to be. Thank you for all of your efforts this year, we are lucky as a staff team to work with such incredible individuals! - UPSU staff

This year's Celebrate Success winners are:

Club Chair of the year - Guy Ludford from Adventure and Expo 

"I can't believe that there is a chair of any other sports club or society that does more than Guy. He has personally sacrificed a lot on our trips always offering to lead the activity that is 'most dull' and other committee don't want to do. He has driven around 8,000 miles over the last couple of years in his van for the club. Guy has single handedly made the club into 10 times more than it was in the past."

Society Chair of the year - Ellesha Hatch from SwitchUP

"If you asked anyone at SwitchUP who puts the most work into the society, you would only get one response: Ellie. Ellie has been the heart and soul of the SwitchUP! Society, demonstrating outstanding leadership and dedication. Over the past year, she has tirelessly organized events, managed logistics, and fostered an inclusive community."

Club Secretary of the year - Ruari Gallagher from Badminton 

"He has become the face of the club in many ways, improving our reputation with the Local Plymouth Badminton League all whilst mastering the intricacies of Badminton England affiliations despite having no prior experience." 

Society Secretary of the year - Sidney De Souza from K-POP

"Without Sidney and her commendable organisation skills, we couldn’t have the spaces to participate in our society activities. Sidney has put so much work into the society this year putting work into allowing things like the K-pop showcase and promoting it to the max in social media and keeping in contact all the time with the SU."

Club Treasurer of the year - Katie Butterfield from Dance 

"Consistently prioritises both fiscal responsibility and member wellbeing, striking a perfect balance that benefits the entire club. Although Katie’s work often happens behind the scenes but its impact is felt at every level of the club."

Society Treasurer of the year - Natalie Shotton from PsySoc 

"Natalie has done more than her position as treasure required – she met with candidates for the recent AGM and help prep their presentations and did this of her own accord."

Club Non Core Committee of the year - Mariko Shiel from Dance

"Mariko’s dedication to the club extends far beyond her committee role. As a member for four years and part of the committee for two, she has continuously contributed to UPDC’s growth and success." 

Society Non Core Committee of the year - Jacob Knott from SwitchUP

"Jake has had the most consistent and timely attendance of any member across the last two years. Throughout almost every session he has been responsible for directing volunteers during set up and pack down, while also acting as the primary source of technical support throughout the sessions." 

Best Newcomer - Charlotte Davies who has established Student Parents of Plymouth

"‘Student Parents of Plymouth’ is a groundbreaking and much-needed support network within the university community." 

We were so blown away by the strength of some nominations, so decided to include a highly commended for the following categories:

Highly Commended Club Chair - Emma Thornley from Badminton 

"She has volunteered so much of her time to support the club on every club night and match this year, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Even going as far as coaching the development players alongside this."

Highly Commended Society Chair - Abigail Littlewood from Plymouth University Guides and Scouts 

"She has dedicated countless hours to the society organising and helping with all the committee roles. She has always stepped up when facing challenges and despite not believing in herself, I think she really deserves this award."

Highly Commended Club Non Core Committee - George Priest from Boxing

"He has been a massive help this year to ensure that the club is developing and putting ideas and action plans into place, from setting up a fight night, to working with England Boxing."

Highly Commended Society Non Core Committee - Ozzy Welch from Creative Writing 

"I have seen how students have grown in literary and personal confidence due to Ozzy's hard work, patience, and kindness, and I believe that Ozzy should be recognised for this achievement."

We also recognised the volunteers who have volunteered 200+ hours of their time this year, which is a huge achievement. These students are Mohammed Tawil, Maisie Griffiths-Moreton, Hannah Gallagher, Ellesha Hatch, and Holly Shearn. 

Interested in joining a student group? Browse all sports clubs and societies here or find out more about volunteering whilst studying here.