Graduate, Student and Alumni Volunteer of the Year
Queen’s has worked with Allstate NI to recognise and celebrate the success of students and graduates across the Queen’s community and the impact that many of them have made on wider society. The Student of the Year Award is given to someone who has made a significant impact in a range of ways across the University or the Queen’s community in the previous 12 months. The Graduate of the Year Award will go to the Queen’s graduate who has made substantial contributions to the University or the lives of others. The Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award will go to the graduate who has enhanced the lives of others by engaging their time and skills. We know that success can be achieved in many ways and these awards nominations are open to students and graduates across the arts, sciences, business, sporting, public and academic life.
Allstate NI Queen's Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award 2023
Entrepreneur John McKee was awarded the Allstate NI Queen’s Alumni Volunteer of the Year for 2023. For almost a decade John has nurtured young entrepreneurs at Queen's through volunteering his time with SU Enterprise. As Head Judge on our Dragon's Den competition, John has provided mentoring and support to Queen's students who are embarking on business careers. As an experienced entrepreneur, the advice, expertise and time he has dedicated to Queen's students has been invaluable. John is leaving a lasting legacy for our young entrepreneurs as they embark on their business journeys.
Learn more about enterprise at Queen'sAllstate NI Queen's Student of the Year Award 2023
Eimear O'Rourke was awarded the Allstate NI Queen’s Student of the Year, for her dedication and commitment to expanding her knowledge through allergy research and public engagement, and through using her own personal experience of allergy to improve the lives of staff and students at Queen’s. Eimear has also been recognised for her various leadership roles within allergy research and the wider Queen’s community. Her work has extended to featuring on a television documentary about allergy, speaking at the European Allergy Youth Parliament and providing advice and support to staff and students at Queen's, through her role as Allergy Ambassador.
Read more about Eimear's storyAllstate NI Queen's Graduate of the Year Award 2023
Paralympian and professional wheelchair basketball player, James MacSorley won Graduate of the Year Award for 2023. Following a lifelong dedication to wheelchair basketball, his greatest achievement was winning the Paralympic Bronze medal in Tokyo in 2021. James is currently training to compete in the Paralympics Games in Paris next summer. He is also a World and European Champion and serves as an Ambassador for The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), an organisation which supports mental health and fitness for young adults.
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