Student Awards 2024: celebrating our students’ achievements

Extraordinary students and student groups were recognised for their outstanding accomplishments at this year's Student Awards, led by the Students’ Association.

Award winners at the Student Awards. Photo by Ejay Freeman.

This year's event took place on 4 April in the Pleasance Theatre. Shortlisted nominees and special guests joined the annual ceremony to celebrate the exceptional contributions of University of Edinburgh students and student societies.

All of the entrants were nominated by their peers, University staff members or members of the public for having dedicated their time to a cause, fostering supportive student communities or overcoming personal challenges.

The judging panel selecting the winners consisted of student volunteers, sabbatical officers and staff members.

We’re extremely proud of our community of students and their achievements. These awards showcase the passion and commitment of our students who are making huge contributions to University life, as well as having a really positive impact on people across Scotland and internationally. This is just one example of the excellence of our Edinburgh community. This year’s award winners serve as an inspiration for us all. Please take the time to read about all of the deserved nominees and winners.

Lucy EvansDeputy Secretary Students

Meet the winners

Student Group of the Year

The winner of the Student Group of the Year award is the Salsa Society.

The Edinburgh University Salsa Society (EUSS) facilitates a welcoming, safe space for students to learn salsa and bachata, two energetic and easy-to-learn forms of international dance. EUSS have been recognised for their commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, their community impact and their efforts to address issues of consent within the global dance community.

Outstanding Leadership

Elie Glaser took home this year’s Outstanding Leadership award.

Elie Glaser is the head of the JSoc, the largest Scottish Jewish society, and acts as the leader for Jewish Students across Scotland. Elie has met with First Minister Humza Yousaf, as well as local politicians from across the political spectrum to address issues such as antisemitism in Scotland, as well as social and political exclusion of Jewish students. Elie works tirelessly to ensure Jewish students are safe, comfortable and proud on campus.

Event of the Year

This year’s Event of the Year award goes to ‘billy woods at Summerhall’, facilitated by the Independent Music Society.

World-renowned New York hip-hop artist billy woods played a sold-out UK exclusive gig at Summerhall, organised by the Independent Music Society. The society coordinated the booking of the artist, venue and support act, in addition to liaising with all acts and management to ensure the event ran as smoothly as possible. The event was affordable, making it financially accessible for students, and the Independent Music Society showed support for Scottish acts by sourcing local talent to support the headliner.

Fundraiser of the Year

Fundraiser of the Year was awarded to The Student (Newspaper) for their GoFundMe Campaign.

Fearing permanent closure after a funding crisis, The Student (Newspaper) was successful in raising nearly £6,000 to ensure they would stay in print and remained a vital source of news on campus, carrying on a rich history rooted in the Edinburgh student community. The fundraiser achieved a wide reach, all whilst bringing together the student community in support of a common goal. At 136 years old, The Student is the oldest student publication in Europe.

Outstanding Contribution to Community Wellbeing

Julie Ann Fooshee has won the Outstanding Contribution to Community Wellbeing award.

Julie Ann Fooshee’s ‘Cards for Care Homes’ project delivered over 2,000 Christmas cards to residents of care, respite, nursing and long-term care facilities around the city – as well as biscuits to the staff who work hard to care for the residents. ‘Cards for Care Homes’ had a positive impact on facility residents and staff, as well as the community of students who came together to write the cards. Julie impacted many people, stepping out of her comfort zone to bring the local community together.

Outstanding Representation

The Outstanding Representation award has been presented to Nadine Barakat.

As the Postgraduate Research Representative for students in Literatures, Languages and Culture, Nadine has made a positive impact in advocating for change, as well as helping to develop a real sense of community within the school. Nadine has organised and analysed surveys to collect student feedback, organised community building events and established working groups to address specific issues raised by students. Nadine showed incredible time-keeping skills and dedication to her fellow students.

Collaboration of the Year

This year’s Collaboration of the Year award has gone to The Arts Balls – History of Art, Gallery Society, Arts & Heritage Society, Photography Society, Fashion Society.

After two of the Edinburgh College of Art’s (ECA) annual events were unfortunately cancelled, student representatives came together to identify the main issues facing ECA. The Arts Ball was organised as a way to bring the ECA community together, allowing societies with smaller budgets the opportunity to help host a large-scale event in collaboration with the larger community, and to raise money for Impact Arts – a charity that facilitates community building in Scotland via arts and creativity. The Arts Ball clearly showed a strengthened bond between societies and a dedication toward unity in the ECA.

Outstanding Community Impact in Volunteering

The winner of the Outstanding Community Impact in Volunteering award is Jay Choudhari.

Jay is the founder of Dhyeya, an educational foundation in India’s rural Chandrapur. Dhyeya provides guidance and support to students coming from rural, lower socioeconomic and other underrepresented backgrounds. Since 2019 Dhyeya’s team of qualified teachers, mentors and guides have helped 600 students learn new skills. Jay’s dedication has been impressive, with a clear positive impact shown on volunteers working with his organisation.

Outstanding International or Multicultural Initiative

The Outstanding International or Multicultural Initiative award was presented to Tandem Language Exchange.

Tandem Language Exchange provides opportunities for all students to learn and practice languages, no matter their level of experience. The weekly language café is run entirely by student volunteers, fostering a welcoming space for students to share their passion for languages and culture. Tandem also organises themed events, such as a British Sign Language-focused café, calligraphy lessons and Mandarin tea socials.

Championing Activism

This year’s winner of the Championing Activism award is Syjil Ramjuthan.

As the president of the Feminist Society, Syjil has organised peaceful protests, published open letters addressing sexual violence on campus, and shed light on critical issues which have prompted meaningful dialogue amongst students, faculty and administration. Syjil has also hosted weekly discussion groups on various topics, ranging from contraception to consent, which provided a safe space for students to engage in open dialogue, share their experiences and access valuable resources. Syjil has demonstrated real empathy and sensitivity towards others, and is a positive changemaker for the future.