Long-service Volunteer Award
Recognising a graduate who has made an outstanding contribution over an extended period of time. Graduates successful in this category will demonstrate the highest personal and/or professional standards of business practice or community cohesion. The impact of this person’s volunteering may well be cumulative over a number of initiatives and across the years.
2024 Winner
Dean Benson
BSc (Hons) Computer Science, 1997
Having graduated from Teesside University in 1997 and an active ambassador for many years, Dean's contribution is as varied as it has been sustained. Whether as an advocate through marketing materials, champion of the institution within the tech sector, generously providing strategic guidance as a University Governor or facilitating employability opportunities through his company Visualsoft; Dean remains a close supporter, always interested in 'what's next...'.
An Allied Health Professional who has long inspired student cohorts to explore the diversity of occupations possible within the NHS and wider healthcare landscape, Sheena Elliott has been described as an 'enlightening and passionate force for good'. Sheena has supported Food Nutrition & Health Science course members through informal mentoring and coaching - both on campus and remotely during pandemic times - ensuring and championing continued professional development for all.
A passionate supporter for connecting industry with academia, Paula has long showed advocacy in this space. Whether stepping up as Institution of Civil Engineers Teesside Student Liaison Officer in the 1990s, inspiring the next generation through regular guest lectures and informal mentoring, or providing industry perspectives via the University's Industrial Liaison Group - Paula is an accessible point of contact in the industry, going above and beyond her day-to-day role at Sir Robert McAlpine.
Alongside being a volunteer contributor to University press opportunities; as a passionate supporter of the local games community, Mara McGreal has been integral to developing confidence in early career professionals.
Maria has helped guide fellow PhD students – at Teesside University as well as worldwide - through her captivating Instagram channel where she shares doctoral life 'top tips' with her 24k+ followers. Despite the stresses and strains of completing her own PhD within the last year or so, Dr O'Hanlon has continued to encourage interest in STEM through her voluntary work with schools outreach, careers evenings and guest lecturing. Dr O’Hanlon also volunteers her time and expertise to help make locally delivered initiatives such as 'Pint of Science' a roaring success, all of which contributes to inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.