University celebrates volunteers' community spirit

The hard work of volunteers from the University’s student, staff, alumni and supporter community was recognised at a special celebration on Thursday (25 April).  

The Celebration of Volunteering, now in its second year, took place at the University’s Whiteknights campus. The awards showcase and celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to volunteer on campus or in their local community. 

Reading alum Mark Goldup, a founding trustee of local homelessness charity Launchpad, was a special guest on the night, addressing the audience about the impact that volunteering while at university had on his life and career. 

Professor Robert Van de Noort, University of Reading Vice-Chancellor, said: “The stories of the commitment and drive that volunteers from our University community show every day are as humbling as they are impressive.  

“I am proud of the collective impact that Reading students, staff, alumni and supporters are having on people’s lives through their community engagement, and these awards are a fitting way to show our appreciation.”   

A total of 88 nominations across six categories were received. New award categories for this year celebrated the impact of volunteers with the University’s staff networks and the work of students volunteering in schools.  

2024 winners 

In the Staff Volunteer category, Rachel McQuilliam, Internal Communications (Student Engagement) Manager, received an award for over a decade volunteering with a home library service, providing books and friendly visits to the elderly and visually impaired. Gabriela Thomas, Treasury Assistant, was recognised for co-founding the Czech School Berkshire in 2016 to teach Czech language and culture. As a working parent, she devoted countless hours establishing the school as a charity. 

In the Staff Network category, Rachel Thorns, HR Partner and former chair of the Women@Reading network was recognised for her work to grow membership of the staff network to over 400 while leading initiatives such as the popular Women’s Health Café. Professor Yota Dimitriadi, Lecturer in Computer Science Education and chair of the Staff Disability+ Network since 2018. She has been instrumental in amplifying the voices and lived experiences of disabled staff.   

Reading Students’ Union Project of the Year awards went to student society Once a Month for their work addressing period poverty, and the University Hockey Club for fundraising efforts raising over £6000 for charity this year. 

Student Volunteers of the Year awards went to Josmi Saji for her integral role supporting a refugee community night shelter project in Reading and Abigail Karkoska for over 10 years volunteering with the Scouts. 

Alumni/Supporter Volunteer of the Year winners were Peter Must for decades of service with University alumni groups, Laura Windisch for managing Reading Family Aid’ s annual Christmas Toys and Teens Appeal, and Tomson Chauke for his refugee football team, Sanctuary Strikers FC, and community music outreach with his band, Limpopo Grove. 

Alfie Heasmer-Jones won an award as Students in Schools Volunteer of the Year. Alfie has volunteered in the same primary classroom for nearly two years, forging great relationships with the students and staff.  

Details of all the winners, nominees and their voluntary activity can be found on the Celebration of Volunteering website.  

An exhibition is also currently on display in the Library foyer.

University For Reading 

The awards follow the announcement of the University For Reading initiative, which will boost support for local charities and projects. Applications for the new Charity of the Year Scheme and Community Fund are now open. 

Later this year, a staff volunteering scheme will launch, enabling colleagues to dedicate more time to worthy causes.