DR CAROLINE MCELNAY: 2022 ALLSTATE NI GRADUATE OF THE YEAR
Dr Caroline McElnay has been announced as the 2022 Allstate NI Queen’s Graduate of the Year, joining a prestigious list of Queen’s University graduates who have been similarly recognised for their achievements both at home and internationally. As the Director of Health for the New Zealand government during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr McElnay worked alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and was lauded for developing policies which directly contributed to saving thousands of lives.
Read Caroline's storyNATASHA OVIEDO : ALLSTATE NI QUEEN'S STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2022
Natasha Oviedo, a postgraduate student in the School of History, Anthropology, Politics and Philosophy, has been named the Allstate NI Queen’s Student of the Year 2022. Natasha – who is currently completing a MA in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice – has been described as a “true role model for her fellow students” for her work supporting newcomers to Northern Ireland over the past two years.
Read Natasha's story
Ed Vernon was named Alumni Volunteer of the Year 2022 in recognition of decades of commitment and service that he has given to Queen’s, contributing to important projects across the University, including leading the philanthropic campaign to create a home for Queen’s Management School at Riddel Hall, driving the launch of the Bright Future Collective which enlists corporate support for widening participation, and service through the Foundation Board.
Read Ed's StoryThree Allstate NI Queen's Alumni Awards are made each year
Queen’s students are distinguished alumni in the making. Every year thousands of individual students make a positive impact by participating in community service projects, internships and volunteer activities both on and off campus. Those nominated for the Student of the Year Award should have made a significant contribution to the life of the University, or to the lives of others, during the previous 12 months. In the past, this award has gone to individuals for their volunteer work or their entrepreneurism and to groups of law, medical and engineering students for initiatives and breakthroughs in their respective fields.
Previous Winners
Nominations for individuals or groups should be made for those who have made substantial contributions to the arts, sciences, business, sporting, public or academic life. Entries for those who have made a significant contribution to the lives of others, or to the life of the University, are considered. The recipient(s) will be awarded at the annual black tie Charter Day Dinner, organised by the Queen’s Graduates’ Association. The judging panel consists of representatives of the QGA, the University, and the Students' Union. Judges stress that academic qualifications, high office or fame are not prerequisites to winning; nominations that are novel, courageous, innovative and bold are encouraged.
Previous Winners
An Award will be made to the graduate or group of graduates who has (have) committed time and expertise to the University in support of its goals, to advance the student experience, enhance the University’s reputation, support student recruitment activities, improve the employability of our students, support our alumni community, or to assist in governance. The Alumni Volunteer of the Year may have mentored staff or students, provided student placements or projects, supported the University, association or committee governance, written graduate profiles, spoken at Queen’s events, organised alumni events and activities or otherwise supported the University with a substantial gift of time. A selection criteria will be used by the panel to assess all nominations.
Previous Winners