Union Awards 2026
The Students’ Union celebrated another landmark year at the Union Awards 2026, recognising the students, clubs, societies and course representatives who have made an outstanding contribution to life at the RVC.
Hosts Evie and Jayson welcomed guests by reflecting on a year filled with major events, growing memberships, increased fundraising and the launch of several new initiatives and activities across the Union calendar. They highlighted the impact of events including Freshers, Give it a Go Day, BUCS, LUSL, Refreshers, Surrey Vets Varsity, PG Development Day, UG Research Day, May Fest and the upcoming HH v CC Varsity, while also celebrating the huge contribution made by student-led clubs and societies throughout the year.
The evening’s awards recognised achievements nominated by students and reviewed by a panel of SU staff and officers.
Society Activity of the Year
This award recognised an event or activity organised by a society that created opportunities for students to learn, socialise or share experiences together.
The nominees were:
Performing Arts Society – Murder Mystery Show
The Performing Arts Society was recognised for introducing a brand-new style of performance through its first-ever Murder Mystery Show. The event showcased members’ acting and improvisation skills while actively involving the audience in solving the mystery. The innovative format allowed performers to demonstrate their creativity in a fresh and engaging way and proved hugely popular with attendees.
RVC Zoological Society – London Zoo Tour
Zoo Soc was nominated for its collaborative London Zoo tour with ZSL, which brought together students from RVC and other universities to learn about wildlife conservation and the partnership between the RVC and ZSL. The event also created opportunities for students from different courses and institutions to connect socially, while offering discounted access to the zoo.
FAVS Symposium
The RVC 2026 FAVS Symposium earned recognition for bringing together RVC staff and external industry speakers for an engaging academic event focused on farm animal veterinary science. The symposium also featured a successful pub quiz hosted by the FAVS committee, generating strong engagement and increasing interest in the society.
Winner: RVC Zoological Society – London Zoo Tour
Fundraising Event of the Year
This award celebrated an event or activity that demonstrated exceptional fundraising success, creativity or community impact.
The nominees were:
RVC Netball – OSPA Fundraising Challenge
RVC Netball was nominated for inspiring members to take on significant running challenges in support of a charity helping sick stray animals in Cape Verde. The initiative motivated students to push themselves physically while raising awareness and support for an important cause.
RVC Dance – Annual Showcase
RVC Dance’s Annual Showcase was recognised for its dramatic growth and fundraising success. Attendance more than tripled from the previous year, with the event featuring both competition and recreational routines in an inclusive celebration of the society. Through ticket sales and a large raffle supported by more than 15 companies, the showcase raised around £1,000, including more than £400 donated to Cancer Research UK in honour of Lisa Thurston.
RVC Badminton – Staff vs Student Tournament
The annual Staff vs Student Tournament was nominated for bringing together staff and students from across the university in a welcoming and community-focused event. Alongside strengthening connections across the RVC, the tournament raised more than £350 for the club and the PDSA.
Winner: RVC Dance – Annual Showcase
Course Rep Activity of the Year
This award recognised a specific activity organised by course representatives that had a positive impact on students.
The winning activity involved seasonal snack giveaways organised for the BVetMed2 cohort at the end of both Term 1 and Term 2. The course reps provided festive treats and Easter-themed snacks to help lift morale following stressful assessment periods, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for students.
Winners: Christinia and Deacon
Sports Performance of the Year
This award recognised a team or individual sporting achievement deserving special recognition.
The nominees were:
RVC Women’s Football Club
The Women’s Football Club was nominated after finishing top of the league and securing promotion for next season.
RVCHC Women’s 1s
The Women’s 1s hockey team was recognised for winning the 2026 LUSL Cup Final and continuing a historic run of success for the club. The dramatic final saw the team come from behind late in the game before eventually securing victory in sudden-death shootouts.
Volleyball Club
Volleyball earned nomination for defeating league leaders London Met 2–0 in their final games of the season to secure first place.
Winner: RVCHC Women’s 1s
Course Rep Extra Mile Award
This award recognised course representatives who went beyond the normal expectations of the role to support their cohort.
The nominees were:
Carys Harry
Carys was recognised for her advocacy on behalf of her year group, particularly in raising concerns around coursework issues and student representation. Her work aimed to create meaningful change for both current and future students.
Deacon Lajala
Deacon was nominated for dedicating significant time to supporting first-year students with revision and study sessions, often prioritising helping others ahead of his own studies.
Diva Parashar
Diva was recognised for effectively gathering and communicating student feedback, particularly around concerns regarding assessment marking, and ensuring students’ voices were heard.
Winner: Carys Harry
Sportsperson Award
This award celebrated an individual who embodied the spirit of sport at the RVC through performance, leadership and commitment.
An honourable mention was given to Riley Colquitt for creating a welcoming and supportive environment within Ultimate Frisbee.
The nominees were:
Will Wright
Will was recognised for his exceptional contributions to RVC Hockey over six years, including representing England Universities Hockey and leading the club to multiple league championships.
Portia Nicholas Jago
Portia was nominated for her achievements in netball, including being scouted to represent Great Britain and Leeds, while also making a strong impact as club president.
Rithu Ganesh
Rithu was recognised for his long-term commitment to RVC Badminton across multiple committee roles and for helping expand the club’s competitive opportunities and community events.
Winner: Will Wright
Society Impact Award
This award recognised a society member who had made a significant and lasting contribution to their group.
The nominees were:
Deacon Lajala
Deacon was nominated for creating revision materials, organising practice sessions and supporting students academically throughout the year.
Saffiyah Bazan
Saffiyah was recognised for her impact within the Performing Arts Society as both a performer and Welfare Officer, as well as for planning and directing the society’s successful first Murder Mystery Show.
Anna Wright
Anna was nominated for her years of dedication to the Performing Arts Society through directing productions, supporting committee development and helping strengthen and sustain the society over multiple years.
Winner: Anna Wright
Sports Club of the Year
This award recognised the sports club that excelled both competitively and in creating opportunities for participation and community.
The nominees were:
RVC Netball
RVC Netball was recognised for its extensive fundraising work, inclusive social programme, wellbeing initiatives and strong competitive performances.
RVC Hockey
The Hockey Club earned nomination for its strong performances, inclusive atmosphere and sense of community across all teams.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee was recognised for its rapid growth after returning from dormancy and for creating an approachable, beginner-friendly sporting environment.
Volleyball Club
Volleyball was nominated for its expanding membership, growing social and competitive opportunities and successful season.
Winner: RVC Hockey
Society of the Year
This award celebrated a society that had made an exceptional impact through its activities, community engagement or support for students.
The nominees were:
Study Society
Study Society received ten separate nominations after a hugely successful first year. The society organised review sessions, tutoring, quizzes and study materials that were praised for supporting student learning and academic success.
Music Society
Music Society was recognised for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment while offering a wide range of activities for members.
Rounders and Dodgeball
The society was nominated for its continued growth, engaging weekly sessions and efforts to develop into a competitive team while remaining welcoming to newcomers.
Winner: Study Society
Course Rep of the Year
This award recognised a course representative who demonstrated outstanding commitment to representing and supporting their cohort.
An honourable mention was given to Alex Grannell for his work supporting postgraduate students and helping organise a successful postgraduate development event.
The nominees were:
Diva Parashar and Anna-Stuart Britt
The pair were recognised for their collaborative work representing their class, communicating updates and ensuring student concerns were addressed.
Deacon Lajala
Deacon was nominated for his organisation of large-scale revision support and his willingness to help fellow students.
Polly Middleton
Polly was recognised for her dedication to the role, her approachability and her commitment to listening to and communicating student feedback.
Winner: Polly Middleton
Spirit of RVC
This award recognised an individual who truly embodied the values, community spirit and student experience of the Royal Veterinary College.
The nominees were:
Celina Bjørseth-Andersen
Celina was recognised for her eight years of contribution to the RVC community through leadership roles in PAS and Dance, choreography work, student representation and efforts to build connections across different cohorts and programmes.
Evie Lloyd Tunstall
Evie was nominated for her extensive involvement in sport, student leadership and event organisation across multiple societies and Students’ Union initiatives.
Lizzy Merrigan
Lizzy earned nomination for her extraordinary involvement across ambassador work, societies, sport and student leadership, as well as her commitment to mentoring and supporting fellow students.
Winner: Celina Bjørseth-Andersen