For students who go the extra-mile in making an important contribution to the Students’ Union and representing the interests of Derby students on a regular basis, there is nothing more rewarding than being accepted for Honorary Life Membership to the Students’ Union.
Just before the end of the last academic year, a link went out for students to submit who they thought should get Honorary Life Membership and why. The top three students with the most nominations were then taken to a special meeting of Scrutiny Panel, where elected representatives of the Union would consider the merits of each nomination then approve the nominated people. Outgoing Officer Trustees were automatically nominated due to their contribution of governing the Union.
With Honorary Life Membership, members are entitled to become a member of any Athletic Union Club or Union Society, participate in the Union’s organised events, and use the Union’s bars and clubs at the discretion of the organising committees or license holders. Honorary Life Members get a vote at the Annual General Meeting.
So, here are the students who received Honorary Life Membership and why they were nominated:
Simon-Lewis Menzies
“As a College Rep, Society President etc, Simon made a point of getting to know me and making sure I was ok. It would be easy to think he was "just doing his job" but he has continued to be incredibly supportive and helpful, not just to me, but also to my fellow students”.
“Simon-Lewis had been an active member of the University of Derby throughout his three years here. He has always been driven to go above and beyond expectations to not only help himself, but the others on his course. I can't think of a time when I've asked for help or advice and he has turned me down. Simon-Lewis has been extremely motivated in ensuring that our experiences at university are not ones to forget”.
Lorna Budd
“Lorna has been heavily fully involved in the Union during her time at University being on the committee for Pole Fitness and being involved in the set up of the very first Trampolining club within the Athletic Union. Lorna has also been a part of RAG in previous years and is always willing to help others”.
“She has worked in marketing at the university for three years and has made such amazing relationships with students over the years. She has been on programme committees, sport and society committees and RAG committees...She has been an inspirational student and is the heart and soul of UDSU”.
Ryan Holford
“Over his time as a student Ryan has been actively involved in all aspects of the Students’ Union, from his positions as Student Trustee and PTO, to his work on accessible facilities and sports. He has been able to cement lasting changes for the Students’ Union and has always been a voice that is willing to present a challenge. Ryan has given so much of his time to the Students’ Union, and deserves an honorary life membership for all these reasons and many more”.
Samantha Gelsthorpe
“Sam has been an active member of the UDSU for four years, helping with so many positive changes around university, including getting the student radio station at open days and university events and assisting with changes in policies with regards to student parents. She has worked so hard throughout her time studying I believe she deserves an honours life membership”.
Sórcha Haverty
It is our absolute pleasure to provide Sórcha with confirmation of her Honorary Life Membership which recognises the fantastic contribution you have made to the Students’ Union during your time as Vice-President (Welfare). Sórcha’s success and achievements in the role are not only recognised by the staff team but also by the students she worked tirelessly to represent and support and there can be few people as deserving of this accolade as Sórcha.
Daisy Giuliano
Daisy’s contribution to Union first as a College Rep, then as Students’ Union President for two years has fundamentally changed the Union for the better. Her fresh-insight and advocacy has placed the Union in a much stronger position than when she came into the role. In being able to direct the work of the Officer Trustees, Part-Time Officers and Representatives and Union staff, she has successfully reformed the Union’s Governance structure, developed effective working-relations with the University and has provided excellent support in the University’s recent Quality Assurance Agency review. Daisy is one of a kind.