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Alumni

Alumni
Volunteer Awards

The inaugural Alumni Volunteer Awards are a new way for Teesside to recognise, thank and celebrate the many graduates who volunteer their time and expertise, and who do so much to support Teesside.

Nominations are now closed

Exceptional individuals across Teesside’s global community inspire the student community, support the University’s governance, champion Teesside as an institution of choice, and underpin our institution’s teaching and research, at all times ensuring both are relevant and timely to the challenges affecting today’s economy, society and culture.

Teesside continues to be enriched by the contributions of its graduate volunteers. It’s time to say thank you to those who show exceptional dedication, leadership, innovation or creativity.

Alumni Volunteer of the Year

Recognising a graduate who has gone above & beyond in their volunteering activity in the last year to help raise the confidence of current students, provide inspiration to the community, further advance the institution, or who has supported connectivity between Teesside and the professional world. This awards recognises excellence and is given to an accomplished volunteer who helps make a tangible impact through their volunteering commitment.

Long-service Volunteer Award

Recognising a graduate who has made an outstanding contribution over an extended period of time. Graduates successful in this category will demonstrate the highest personal and/or professional standards of business practice or community cohesion. The impact of this person’s volunteering may well be cumulative over a number of initiatives and across the years.

Alumni Volunteer of the Year: Finalists

Mara McGreal
BA (Hons) Computer Games Art, 2020

Alongside being a volunteer contributor to University press opportunities; as a passionate supporter of the local games community, Mara McGreal has been integral to developing confidence in early career professionals.

Mara has personally assisted those looking for industry advice, new opportunities and has supported peer to peer mentoring. Recognising the importance of industry networking, last year Mara set up the Middlesbrough Game Dev Meetup, providing a focused and friendly forum for graduates and students to gather in person, as well as online.

Dr Maria O'Hanlon
Phd Microbiology, 2023

Maria has helped guide fellow PhD students – at Teesside University as well as worldwide - through her captivating Instagram channel where she shares doctoral life 'top tips' with her 24k+ followers. Despite the stresses and strains of completing her own PhD within the last year or so, Dr O'Hanlon has continued to encourage interest in STEM through her voluntary work with schools outreach, careers evenings and guest lecturing. Dr O’Hanlon also volunteers her time and expertise to help make locally delivered initiatives such as 'Pint of Science' a roaring success, all of which contributes to inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.

Jo Tosh
MA Education, 2013

Jo Tosh is a passionate advocate for raising awareness of Parkinson's and Young Onset Parkinson's through her authentic experiences and unique perspective as a person living with the disease. Since diagnosis and over the last year or so, Jo has repeatedly engaged with the student body giving talks and insights to cohorts across the School of Health and Life Sciences, providing real time opportunities for medical professionals of the future to be exposed to Parkinsonism.

In addition to coming on to campus, Jo's advocacy for the cause has included inspiring the Teesside community through initiatives such as being involved in TedX, (Warrington) as well as working with Parkinson's UK to share her deep brain stimulation surgery journey.

Long-service Alumni Volunteer: Finalists

Dean Benson
BSc (Hons) Computer Science, 1997

Having graduated from Teesside University in 1997 and an active ambassador for many years, Dean's contribution is as varied as it has been sustained. Whether as an advocate through marketing materials, champion of the institution within the tech sector, generously providing strategic guidance as a University Governor or facilitating employability opportunities through his company Visualsoft; Dean remains a close supporter, always interested in 'what's next...'.

Sheena Elliott
BSc (Hons) Food Nutrition & Health Science, 2013

An Allied Health Professional who has long inspired student cohorts to explore the diversity of occupations possible within the NHS and wider healthcare landscape, Sheena Elliott has been described as an 'enlightening and passionate force for good'. Sheena has supported Food Nutrition & Health Science course members through informal mentoring and coaching - both on campus and remotely during pandemic times - ensuring and championing continued professional development for all.

Paula McMahon
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, 1996

A passionate supporter for connecting industry with academia, Paula has long showed advocacy in this space. Whether stepping up as Institution of Civil Engineers Teesside Student Liaison Officer in the 1990s, inspiring the next generation through regular guest lectures and informal mentoring, or providing industry perspectives via the University's Industrial Liaison Group - Paula is an accessible point of contact in the industry, going above and beyond her day-to-day role at Sir Robert McAlpine.

FAQs

When is the nomination deadline?

Friday 22 March 2024

What format are these Awards?

We look forward to announcing these Awards via social media and our alumni website. Finalists will also be invited to a special evening of celebration held at our Middlesbrough campus in May (tbc).

What constitutes 'volunteering'?

Volunteering takes many forms and is inclusive of those who give their time and expertise, without payment, as guest speakers, panellists, mentors, employability guides, recruitment ambassadors, governors, board members, curriculum advisors, business engagement facilitators – and likely much more!

The graduate volunteer who I’d like to nominate volunteers outside of the UK, does that still count?

Yes, absolutely. Teesside University is proud to be a global community. Former students who give their time and expertise outside of the UK are very much part of its success.

Who can be nominated in these Alumni Awards?

We recognise all former students who have exited Teesside with an awarded qualification. This is inclusive of graduates from foundation-level through to doctoral degree – and all between. The graduate volunteer can have studied via any mode (full time, part time, online etc) and can live, work and volunteer for Teesside anywhere in the world.

As a member of Teesside University staff can I nominate graduates who have given their time and/or expertise to either my teaching or course governance?

Yes, absolutely. We’re very lucky to have graduates willing to give their time and expertise. These Awards are an opportunity to recognise their commitment and supports the University maintaining excellence in quality frameworks such as TEF.

When do the Awards get decided?

Our panel meets in Spring with the Awards are announced in May 2024.

Who will be on the panel?

The panel will be made up of representatives from each of our five academic Schools, plus individuals from Professional Service Offices who regular engage with graduate volunteers.

Can I self-nominate?

We welcome nominations and self-nominations. For either routes, the panel would want to see evidence as to the impact of volunteering, which may be best demonstrated through 3rd party testimony and advocacy.

What makes for a successful nomination?

When you submit your nomination online, you’ll be guided through questions relevant to the category that you wish to nominate your person for. These questions will ask for specific evidence or impact statements that will support your nominee being seen in the best light by the panel. Naturally, the more detail you can share, the more informed the panel will be when considering the submission.

As a student can I nominate a graduate who has given their time to help inspire me and my classmates during my course?

Yes, absolutely. There is no better testimony as to how impactful a graduate volunteer has been than students thinking enough of them to want to make a nomination.

When it says ‘supporting connectivity between Teesside and the professional world’, what does 'professional world' include?

This phrase encapsulates all employment sectors, inclusive of those who work in the charity sector, business, industry, manufacturing etc. Essentially any professional sector and related occupations.

Where can I get a complete overview of Award criteria?

A comprehensive overview of Award categories, eligibility, the nomination process and the judging process is available.