Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, the Vice President (Welfare). Black History Month is important to understand the past, as I’ve done in another article. But, especially from a sector revolving on success of education, it’s important to celebrate people as well. Below are just some examples of the University of Derby students who have received awards, become elected representatives, and been promoted to senior positions.
Hi everyone, I’m Jack McGuinness, the Vice President (Welfare). Black History Month is important to understand the past, as I’ve done in another article. But, especially from a sector revolving on success of education, it’s important to celebrate people as well. Below are just some examples of the University of Derby students who have received awards, become elected representatives, and been promoted to senior positions.
Mainframe Derby Awards 2022 – Nathan Addai [right] (Studio Anicca Charlotte Jopling)
Nathan Addai
Nathan studied in Animation at the University, shortly following up his Undergraduate education with a master’s degree.
During his masters he submitted a creative idea to the BBC’s “New Creatives” programme and was later selected to bring his idea to life.
His animated film, Mental Roots, received large applause for broaching covers the topic of Mental Health in young black men, being shortlisted for the Student Design Awards (Moving Images Category), and was later developed into a Podcast series which was shortlisted for multiple awards in 2019, such as the British Broadcasting Channel Radio 4 Today Student Journalist of the year.
For all of his work, he won a Mainframe Derby Award in Emerging Digital / Creative star (Under 25) in 2022. And commented this on his work:
Animation not only looks good but does good
Dhana Ramasamy
Dhana Ramasamy
Dhana Ramasamy is an alumni of the University, having studied a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Strategic Management degrees to further her academic excellence and career development for finance professionals.
Her dedication to excelling her career can be shown by the position she currently sits, Finance Director of Nandos Botswana.
Nandos isn’t a small brand. The organisation has a global reputation for providing high quality chicken-oriented dishes in a both take-away and sit-down options. Speaking to her in April, the organisation is seeing a lot of expansion and she’s excited to see the future the organisation has within the country.
She’s not shy about her passions and her journey, appearing at events, such as the House of Lords, to share her experiences and insights she’s gained. And, more specifically, with the as an Africa Alumni fellow, she often assists with the delivery of engagement initiatives.
I urge all students to cherish their university life: soak in every crumb of knowledge that your lecturers throw at you, learn from your peers, enjoy every moment and allow yourself to be moulded into the professional you are destined to become.
Chudi Ukaegbu
Chudi Ukaegbu
Chudi is an international student who started his Undergraduate studies of Information Technology in September of 2021.
Since joining the student body, he’s been a staunch advocate and voice for the international community. On placement with the Student Engagement and Enhancement team, he was prominent in bringing forward student insights and experiences of this demographic.
All of his dedication inspired him to run for the position of International Students Officer in the Union Elections. And after a successful campaign on his manifesto, he was elected into position to continue his advocacy and representation work.
Currently, he’s working on an event to bring forward and show off different cultures we have here in Derby, working with the Cultural Societies to show off what different regions of the world do and how they celebrate their culture. More information on this will be revealed in due course. If you would like to reach out to Chudi, his email is officer.international@derbyunion.co.uk