Five Churchill College students were recognised for their outstanding contributions to university and community life at this year’s SU Cambridge Students’ Awards, with two taking home top prizes.
The Cambridge Students’ Awards celebrate student volunteers who make a difference across the university and wider Cambridge community, recognising those involved in societies, campaigns, college committees and other voluntary roles.
Churchill’s nominees spanned multiple categories, highlighting the College’s diverse student engagement. Thea Redmill was shortlisted for ‘Contribution to the City’ for her work as co-president of Embrace Cambridge, a student society raising funds for local homeless charities. Academic Representative of the Year saw Cheryl Peng nominated for her dedicated work supporting fellow students.
The College celebrated two major wins on the night. May Week Alternative (MWA), with Churchill’s Sarannia Ragulan as co-president, claimed Society of the Year. “Winning Society of Year was definitely a pleasant surprise for all of MWA committee, but we’re over the moon that we, a student-led society focused on intentional and effective charity, managed to win this award. Hopefully, MWA will be on more students’ minds thinking about charity as well move forward.”
In an unexpected triumph, the Mature Student Society led by Robert Kelsey, secured the special ‘Outstanding Contribution to University Life’ award – a prize chosen directly by the judging panel rather than through nominations. The award recognises all-round commitment across various areas of student life and lasting impact on the Cambridge student experience.
“The Society is only nine months’ old,” said Robert Kelsey, founder and president of the Mature Student Society, “so we were surprised and delighted to be nominated for two awards. But to then win a special award right at the end was extraordinary. It’s been quite a year, though I think it shows mature students have a strong place in Cambridge University life. And, given all the SU nominations across the board, that Churchill College rocks!”
Samuel Agyapong, current President of The African Society, was also nominated for Society of the Year, rounding out Churchill’s strong representation at the awards.
Robert Kelsey with his ‘Outstanding Contribution to University Life’ Award
