Friday 11-05-2018 - 17:08

On Friday evening (11 May), the winning students and societies were revealed at the Societies Awards Ball 2018.

Once again, the main hall in The Union was converted into a beautiful Oscars themed awards ceremony with a two course dinner and drink reception, giving students the perfect opportunity to round off an amazing year of society events and achievements.

This year also saw the introduction of a new award - the 'Societies Honours' to recognise final year students who have contributed to their society during their time as a student. These volunteers make a huge difference to their own societies, and they don’t always shout about their success, so the award recognises their efforts and the contribution they make.

 

The winners:

Academic Society of the Year - Architecture MSSA

Architecture has shown a huge amount of dedication this year, and is one of the most organised committees we’ve ever known. They’ve had real ambition for their members this year, and have worked really hard to provide some great opportunities.

 

Campaigning and Liberation Society of the Year - Open Mind

Open Mind have made some real progress in just a few short months since they set up. They’ve run numerous events and providing a space for people to learn about mental health.

 

Faith Society of the Year - Islamic Society

The Islamic Society continues to grow every year, and has a real presence on campus. This year they’ve built stronger connections with The Union, and have dedicated a lot of time to providing experiences and opportunities for their members. Their efforts in fundraising this year have been incredible,  including a frosty trip up Snowdon, with thousands of pounds raised for charity.

 

Hobbies and Interests Society of the Year - AniMMU (Anime)

AniMMU have really come into their own this year, working with other societies and becoming a central part of the societies family. They’ve really listened to their members and developed activity based on this, running big trips and lots of regular activity. They’ve created a real sense of collaboration on campus this year.

 

Media Performance and Arts Society of the Year - Pole Dancing

Pole Dancing have worked really hard to expand what they do this year, giving lots of new opportunities to their members and challenging themselves. They’ve entered competitions, run events and continued to arrange lots of regular training for their members.

 

Nationality and Culture Society of the Year - Welsh

The Welsh Society have worked really hard this year to create links between societies and sports clubs, and are always a lively presence on campus. They’ve run collaborative events and a really successful trip to Cardiff.

 

Political Perspectives Society of the Year - Conservative Future

Conservative Future aren’t one of our biggest societies, but this year they’ve worked hard to build links with the Societies Council and build their members ship with regular activity.

 

Event of the Year - ACS & MENA – Cultural Festival

In a year that has seen so many society events, the Cultural Festival really stood out for its celebration of the diversity here at Manchester Met. This was a vibrant and inclusive event that brought new people into the Union and really provided a platform for understanding other cultures.

 

Trip of the Year - AniMMU & MMUGG – Birmingham Comic Con

We were really impressed this year with the collaboration between these two societies for their big trip to Comic Con. A lot of planning and consideration went into the organisation, and into making sure their members were supported throughout the trip.

 

New Society of the Year - Horror

It takes a lot of work to get a new society up and running successfully, but the Horror society have really done it in style this year. From origami coffins at Freshers’ Fair to collaborations with other societies, they’ve really made their mark in the societies community this year. We can’t wait to see what their plans are for next year!

 

Most Improved Society of the Year - KPop

KPop have done a lot this year to raise the bar for their members, running lots of regular activity and a trip to Running Man. They’ve become a really important part of the societies family, and have welcomed a lot of new members this year.

 

Society of the Year - Pole Dancing

Pole Dancing are incredibly passionate about what they do  - and have worked really hard to give their members the best year possible. They’ve entered and placed in their first ever competitions, and ran Spingo Bingo - one of the year’s biggest and best events in the Union. Their committee has been absolutely dedicated to improving the society, and we really appreciate the work that’s gone into everything they’ve achieved this year.

 

Committee Member of the Year - Leah Caffrey (KPop & Sober Society)

Leah leads the KPop society, and this year has been central to everything they’ve achieved. She really cares about her society and its members, and has really gone above and beyond in her committee role to make KPop the best it can be.

 

Societies Honours Winners

Anna Welsh (AniMMU and Manchester Universities Guild of Change Ringers)

Tom Beach (Conservative Futures)

Benjamin Carter (Architecture Society)

Mohanad Metwally (Islamic Society and Law Society)

Michael O’Malley (Gamers)

Jake Tucker (Engineering Society)

Iwan Last (Welsh)

Jack Noble (Anime)

Wynne Taffinder (Feminist Society)

Lucy Follon (Pole Dancing Society)

Roseanna Conway(Gilbert and Sullivan and Rock Society)

Siriya Suriyanon (Fine Art Degree Show Society)

Andy Harmon (LGBT+ Society)

Melissa Svensen (Hive Radio)

Oumama Elkramti (Islamic Society and MENA)

 

You can see the full list of nominees here.

If you want to get involved in a society, check out the Opportunites page for more information.

 

Below: The Oscars themed event, with Pole Dancing winning Society of the Year, and Leah Caffrey being presented with the Committee Member of the Year prize by Activities Officer Owen Jones.

Photo credit: Eddy Gosht