Annual Review 2017/18: Our Students

Award winners

Each year our students receive national and international recognition for their work, and this year has been no exception. In February, a team of three third-year Economics for Business students (Jake Gonella, Tom Vaughan and Walton Mabuto) won three top prizes at the University Trading Challenge 2018, which was held in London's Cass Business School. Prizes included first place for Overall Performance, Best Team Presentation and Best Individual Trader (Jake Gonella). Kelly-Hellen Hitchcock and Laura MacPherson, both third-year Mental Health students, were announced as the winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs category at the Student Nursing Times Awards in April. They won the award for setting up the University's Nursing Society to unite student nurses across all cohorts at Derby. In June, fashion student Freya Whittaker entered the East Midlands Fashion Awards 2018 and went on to win the Fashion Design category for her womenswear collection, entitled WORK#ER. Her inspiration was based on the loss of identity in the workplace through wearing a uniform.

Working with the community

The Union of Students makes a huge contribution to the local community and, through the student-led Raise and Give (RAG) society, donated more than £71,000 to local and national charities this academic year. The students are supported to develop new ideas, host events, build important relationships with the community and volunteer within the city, and outside of Derby.

Sport at Derby

Our students are regularly involved in sports clubs, many of which take part in the British Universities and Colleges (BUCS) league where they compete against other universities. This year has seen Team Derby, the University's sports division, receive its highest ranking by securing a Top 40 place in the BUCS league table - a fantastic achievement for all involved. Team Derby plays a huge role in offering students sporting opportunities and support throughout their time at the University. This includes Derby's very own Charlie Tanfield, Commonwealth Games cyclist, who has been supported by Team Derby through the Human Performance Unit - a specialist facility which provides expert sport science services to athletes.

An inclusive student body

The University celebrated LGBT History Month in February by holding a short assembly to watch the LGBT flag be raised and listen to members of the Union of Students and our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, give a speech about the importance of inclusivity here at Derby.

Graduation

Our Award Ceremonies are a highlight of the year, bringing together our students, their family and friends, and University staff, to celebrate their achievements and success. This year we welcomed a total of more than 5,000 students to their graduation ceremonies - held in November at the stunning Devonshire Dome in Buxton, and at Derby Arena in July.