Students awarded for work in promoting diversity

The awards ceremony was held at Molineux Stadium

The work of students who have been promoting diversity and supporting others at the University of Wolverhampton have been highlighted at an awards ceremony.

The university's Students' Union awards featured 20 categories covering achievements by students, staff and groups who have made a positive impact during placements.

Among them, artist Sam McCracken from Telford was recognised for his work in supporting LGBTQIA+ students.

This includes organising events to boost wellbeing, confidential drop-in sessions and raising awareness on how to be a good ally.

Mr McCracken said: “Winning this award has been exceptional and not in the least expected, I am very grateful for the nomination which made me cry, and to the SU for this honour.”

Students’ Union chief executive Nirmla Devi added: “Sam has remained an outstanding support for students who can confide in him as well as being responsible for some great initiatives to boost students’ emotional health.

Sam McCracken has been recognised for his work in supporting LGBTQIA+ students

A staff award for promoting diversity was presented to lecturer in special educational needs, disability and inclusion studies Star Wilkes at the ceremony, now in its 13th year.

The Staffordshire-Shropshire Learning Disability team won Placement Provider of the Year and Community Learning Disability Nurse Sarah Mapp won Outstanding Contribution to the Student Placement Experience.

Ms Mapp said: “I am very passionate about helping students and have been doing so for several years. Getting an award is like a validation that I’m doing a good job. I’m very grateful.”