“The Celebration of Volunteering is much more than the awards handed out this evening, but the recognition of all volunteers who selflessly devote their time to make their community a better place to live.”
These powerful words spoken by ITV News Meridian presenter and the 2026 Celebration of Volunteering host, Mel Bloor, perfectly capture the spirit of the University’s annual Awards.
Held at Whiteknights campus last week, this special centenary edition of the Celebration of Volunteering Awards brought together alumni, students, staff and community supporters to celebrate the impact of volunteering across our global community.
Mel added: “Reaching one hundred years is, of course, a milestone worth celebrating. But more than that, it is a moment to reflect on who you are as a university community, what you stand for, and the impact you continue to have – locally, nationally, and globally.
“If there is one thread that runs consistently through the University history, it is the spirit of giving back.”
A total of 117 nominations were received across six categories, including 5 in the Alumni and Supporter Volunteer of the Year category and one alumni winner in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Volunteer of the Year category.
Read more about this year’s winners below.
Alumni and Supporter Volunteers of the Year
This year’s award recognises a group of individuals whose contributions have made a lasting difference to students, communities and the University.
Darren Staniforth
Reading graduate Darren Staniforth has volunteered as a mentor on the Thrive Mentoring Scheme for nine years, supporting students throughout their studies and beyond.
Since 2021, he has mentored 16 students – often several at once – offering far more than traditional mentoring. From careers advice and technical guidance to networking opportunities and personal encouragement, Darren’s impact is wide-reaching. His support often continues beyond the formal programme, helping mentees with CVs, interviews and career decisions. He has even attended graduations to celebrate their achievements.
Of winning the award, Darren said: “I feel extremely honoured and privileged to have been presented with this award. There are so many wonderful mentors supporting the University of Reading’s students, in collaboration with the staff, so it means a great deal to be given this accolade.” .
Jean Hartley
Reading graduate and founding Trustee of Friends of Ibba Girls School (FIGS), Professor Jean Hartley, was recognised for her longstanding commitment to girls’ education in South Sudan.
Working with local communities, Jean helped establish a school that now supports more than 300 girls – many of whom would otherwise not access education beyond the age of 10.
From delivering solar-powered electricity and clean water to developing classrooms and boarding facilities, she has played a central role in the school’s growth since it opened with just 40 students in 2014.
Jean has also led major fundraising efforts, raising around £300,000 each year with support from a global network of donors, including University alumni.
Jean shared: “I am delighted to receive this award. It is recognition not only for my work, but for that of the great team of trustees, volunteers and employees that I work with in the UK and the communities, parents, teachers and other staff I work with in South Sudan.
I benefitted from good teaching both at school and at university, so I am deeply motivated to give others such an opportunity.”
Ian Burn, John Grainger and Terry Dixon
Supporters Ian Burn, John Grainger and Terry Dixon were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the University’s Centenary Heritage Tour Programme.
Together, they developed a series of eight guided walks exploring the history of the University and its campuses – from Whiteknights and London Road to themed tours on the 1984 RAG parade and the University’s role in both World Wars. Their work has not only brought the University’s history to life but also supported current students, helping to recruit and train student tour guides and provide valuable paid experience.
Ian and John, both retired members of staff, have also contributed extensively through The Friends of the University, producing heritage publications and leading public tours throughout the year.
“It was a Total Surprise to hear we’d won an award,” Terry shared. “It’s great to feel recognised for the hard work we put in to uncovers Reading’s wonderful history, heritage and culture.”
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Volunteer of the Year
Youngs Nyirenda
In addition to the Alumni and Supporter Volunteers of the Year award, we also saw a University of Reading graduate scoop up the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Volunteer of the Year award.
Youngs Nyirenda was recognised for his commitment to empowering young people and promoting inclusion within communities in Malawi.
As a teacher and counsellor, he has supported more than 100 young people to move away from violence and towards positive futures, providing guidance on life skills and small-scale enterprise.
He also leads a cultural dance group of 50 young people, using traditional arts to promote unity, identity and positive values across different backgrounds.
Alongside this, Youngs works with local farmers to introduce sustainable practices, helping to improve food security and economic stability.
Centenary Long Service Recognition
As part of this special centenary edition, 60 Centenary Long Service Awards were presented to recognise outstanding dedication to volunteering across the University community.
The award recognises students, staff members, or alumnus, who have demonstrated their dedication to volunteering by delivering outstanding and impactful volunteering for a period of five years or longer. This can be volunteering with the same organisation or across different volunteering opportunities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort said:
“It is a truly incredible number of our University community who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteering.”
Volunteering Officer Rachel Dean shared: ““The Celebration of Volunteering is always a really special event as it gives us an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the unsung heroes in our alumni community who are making a real impact through their volunteering.
“We’re always blown away by the generosity of our alumni, who give so much to their communities and causes close to their heart, in some cases for decades, and we hope the Celebration of Volunteering inspires others to follow in their footsteps.”
