The University of Nottingham has recognised the outstanding voluntary efforts of a number of alumni and residents at its annual Supporter Reception this week.

From increasing awareness about the impacts of slavery at local heritage sites to raising thousands of pounds for the University’s breast cancer research programme, the activities the volunteers support are wide-ranging.

Over 360 alumni and community volunteers contributed time over the last academic year, with 19 different individuals or groups recognised in the volunteer awards — including seven from Nottingham — which were introduced by the University Vice Chancellor Shearer West.

Lisa Johnson won the ‘Exceptional Contribution Award’ for her tireless fundraising for the University’s new Breast Cancer Research Centre. Lisa, who has battled breast cancer herself, has already raised over £4,000 by holding a ‘Boobie Ball’ and is planning a second, for which tickets have already sold out.

The University’s Volunteer of the Year is Natalie Haydon-Yeung, a solicitor at Geldard’s, who since graduation has provided hundreds of students with advice and guidance, helping break down some of the barriers preventing disadvantaged young people from attending university.

Rachael Green, University of Nottingham Head of Volunteering said: “Our volunteers are the lifeblood of so much of the University’s activity, giving their time, energy and inspiration for the benefit of others.

“Our alumni in particular are incredibly generous with their time, it is a truly global community and their support helps both current students and each other be the best they can.”

The overall Alumni Volunteer of the Year is Hugh Jaques, who has been recognised for his work to help transform the operation of the University’s Students Union since joining as a Trustee in 2015.

Other local winners include:

• John Charles-Jones, a volunteer for over 10 years, inspiring countless students and helping the University’s Rural Business Research Unit become a beacon of excellence in farming research.
• The Nottingham Slave Trade Legacies Group, consisting of mainly African Caribbean heritage volunteers, who have raised awareness of the implications of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on the development of modern Britain and helped make the contributions of their enslaved ancestors clear at popular heritage sites, including Newstead Abbey.
• Mel Berry, Tom Preece and Ed Wright from the University’s Ingenuity Lab, who have helped mentor business students.
• Kate Sartain, who volunteers in the University’s Dementia, Older People and Palliative Care patient and public involvement group which supports those working in the field of research concerning frailty and dementia.
• MacJay Makinde-Ojo, an alumnus who continuously gives his time across a huge number of activities, including raising awareness of Black History Month
• Laura Outhwaite, who whilst studying her undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD at Nottingham  volunteered in schools and created a revolutionary American Football training programme.

The University of Nottingham has a number of volunteer programmes, which are open to both alumni and non-alumni, for more information visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/alumni/giveyourtime.