Winners of the 2018 Distinguished Volunteer Awards

Wednesday, 24 October 2018

Acting vice chancellor Robert van de Noort presents volunteer with certificate

We are delighted to announce the Winners of the 2018 Distinguished Volunteer Awards.

Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Development, Joe Doak, received an Award in recognition of his contribution to the Pathways to Property initiative. Joe led on the design and delivery of five summer schools and an online course for the initiative, which aims to encourage young people to consider a career in real estate and planning. He was presented with his Award at the annual Alumni House of Lords Reception held on 12 October.

Local community members Ron and Jan Butler received a joint Award for their long service to help preserve archival materials at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL). They were presented with their Award at a special reception at the MERL on 11 October, which also marked Ron’s retirement after 24 years. Jan continues to volunteer at MERL.

Two graduates were recognised for their work with international alumni associations, which play a vital role in fostering relationships between international alumni and the University, and in helping graduates to forge professional networks.

Based in Trinidad and Tobago, Judith Mark received an Award for her activity with the Henley International Alumni Board and the key role she has played in helping alumni in the Caribbean to stay connected with the Business School. She was presented with her Award at the launch of the Henley Alumni Association in the Caribbean, a group which she was instrumental in setting up.

Dato’ Kuak Fong YAP was recognised for his leadership of the Henley Alumni Association in Malaysia. Currently Chair of the group, Dato Yap has been an active member since its creation in the early 1990s. He has been His leadership and support has hugely enhanced the Malaysian alumni network, and has helped forge strong links between former students in the region and our Malaysia campus. He will be presented with his Award at a later date.

Launched in 2017, the Distinguished Volunteer Awards aim to recognise some of the incredible work volunteers do in support of the University and its community.

The Awards are run by the Alumni and Supporter Engagement Office, but all members of the University community – staff, students and alumni – are invited to nominate volunteers they believe to be going above and beyond.

A big thank you to all who submitted nominations. The team received many glowing recommendations and stories, the scope of which is a real testament to the outstanding contribution our volunteers make.