University of Surrey Student wins National Volunteering Award
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Daniel Rolfe, a Business Management Student from the University of Surrey, has won a prestigious Higher Education Student Volunteering Award. These UK-wide awards are given to students who have made an outstanding contribution to volunteering in their community.
Daniel was presented his award by Professor Craig Mahoney, soon-to-be Chief Executive of the Higher Education Academy and Andrea Grace Rannard, Further and Higher Education Senior Manager for Volunteering England at The Higher Education Academy’s annual conference at the University of Hertfordshire.
Over 70 applications were received from universities across the U.K with only six students winning an award. Judges said that Daniel’s application showed excellent commitment to his volunteering across a number of projects. There was a clear focus on career development with evidence to back this up. Daniel identified and addressed problems and overcame challenges in his work.
Daniel’s volunteering journey started at Queen Eleanor’s CoE Junior School as a classroom assistant on the Educational Liaison Centre’s Tutoring Scheme. He quickly developed an excellent rapport with both the staff and pupils. Due to this positive relationship, he took the initiative to develop the Playground Activity Co-ordinators Scheme which has involved 30 University volunteers running positive play activities during lunch time. Daniel has also volunteered on the school’s Business Enterprise Day in conjunction with the Surrey Business Partnership. He has also acted as the lead male mentor on a reading project in Kings College for the Arts and Technology working with the National Literacy Trust, where he has helped to promote a positive reading culture as well as raising an individual’s attainment. He is also an active member of St John’s Ambulance.
On winning the award, Daniel said: "I am overwhelmed to have won. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my volunteering activities and to have them recognised is a great achievement. Volunteering without a doubt has enhanced my University experience as I have gained skills and expertise which I would not have otherwise done. Volunteering is such a rewarding experience and I highly recommend it to others’
As an award winner, Daniel had to design a poster reflecting his volunteering experience which was displayed at the conference as well as co-presenting a workshop.
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk